Grassroots Communities: Authentic Participation in the Collaboration for Coastal Waste Management in Surabaya

¹ Department of Public Administration, State University Hang Tuah, Indonesia
² Department of Marine Engineering, State University Hang Tuah, Indonesia
³ Dapartment of Law, State University Hang Tuah, Indonesia
⁴ Postgraduate School, State University Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia
⁵ Business and Professional Studies, Management and Science University Malaysia, Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: wildanraharja@unesa.ac.id

Abstract

Coastal waste management in Surabaya presents the complex problem not only technical matters of waste disposal, but also social and institutional ones. Garbage transported from upper river areas by river flows becomes a burden on the environment in estuaries and sea area. In this ensnarement of Local Communities as agentive actors are in the action by conducting a number of environmental programs, including the management of waste banks, public education and monitoring of river quality. The objective of the study is to evaluate the quality of community participation in coastal waste management by applying the CLEAR model that consists of five dimensions: Can Do (ability to participate), Like To (motivation to get involved), Enabled To (institutional support), Asked To (active involvement for organizers) and Responded To (whether inputs are responded or not). Methods This is a qualitative descriptive study. The data were gathered from in-depth interviews with communities, waste management authorities and relevant departments and through observations and field notes. The data were thematically and interactively analysed. Findings from the study indicated a highly capable and motivated community. But facilitation, help in planning and responsiveness towards citizens’ proposals have been unevenly addressed by government. The motivation of the community is more often initiative than systemic elements that promote collaboration structurally. These findings suggest that enhancing the participation system with joint forums, community engagement SOPs, and appropriate response systems will be vital in achieving equitable and sustainable coastal waste management.