A 2026 study by Tuty Alawiyah Pulungan, Suwardi Lubis, and
Nurbani from the University of North Sumatra finds that environmental
communication conducted by the student organization KOMPAS USU has successfully
built initial public awareness and participation in conservation efforts,
although internal challenges remain. The findings are important as
environmental issues such as deforestation and waste management continue to
intensify, requiring stronger involvement from young generations.
North Sumatra faces serious environmental challenges,
including forest degradation, pollution, and high waste production reaching
approximately 1.8 million tons in 2023. These issues highlight that
environmental problems are not only ecological but also closely related to
community behavior. In this context, student organizations like KOMPAS USU play
a strategic role in promoting environmental awareness and mobilizing concrete
action.
The study uses a descriptive qualitative approach through
in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation. Informants
include KOMPAS USU administrators for the 2021–2025 period, senior members, and
community participants involved in environmental activities. Research was
conducted across multiple locations, including Medan, Karo, Langkat, and Aceh,
to capture a comprehensive picture of environmental communication practices.
The findings show that KOMPAS USU’s environmental
communication operates through five key stages:
- Construction of environmental meaning among members
- Program planning and communication strategy development
- Implementation of field actions and message delivery
- Evaluation of activities
- Audience response
Campaigns combine direct environmental actions such as
mangrove planting, community education, interpersonal and group communication,
and the use of digital media. This integrated approach has proven effective in
increasing public awareness and participation in environmental issues.
However, several major challenges were identified:
- Differences in member orientation between conservation values and adventure-based activities
- Limited human resources due to rapid organizational regeneration
- Weak evaluation and sustainability of programs
- Dominance of adventure activities over in-depth environmental studies
The findings reveal a gap between theoretical understanding
and practical implementation. While members recognize the importance of
environmental conservation, organizational activities are often more dominated
by adventure-oriented experiences, which are more immediately engaging.
Tuty Alawiyah Pulungan from the University of North Sumatra
emphasizes that environmental communication is not merely about delivering
information but also about shaping perspectives and behavior toward nature. She
highlights the need to strengthen consistency between organizational values and
actual practices to ensure long-term impact.
The study underscores the significant role of student
organizations as agents of environmental change. By combining field-based
actions with public communication, students can effectively foster ecological
awareness, particularly among younger generations.
For policymakers and educational institutions, the findings
highlight the importance of supporting student-led environmental initiatives
through capacity building, communication training, and the use of digital
platforms to expand campaign reach.
In the long term, strengthening environmental communication
through student organizations offers a practical strategy for encouraging
behavioral change and promoting sustainable environmental management.
Author Profile
- Tuty Alawiyah Pulungan - Universitas Sumatera Utara
- Suwardi Lubis dan Nurbani - Universitas Sumatera Utara
Source
Pulungan, T. A., Lubis, S., & Nurbani. (2026). Environmental
Communication of the Student Corps of Nature Lovers and Environmental Studies
(KOMPAS) of the University of North Sumatera in the Environmental Awareness and
Conservation Action Campaign in North Sumatera. Contemporary Journal of
Applied Sciences (CJAS), Vol. 4 No. 3, 201–218.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/cjas.v4i3.152
URL: https://ntlformosapublisher.org/index.php/cjas
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