TURNING RIVERS INTO LIVING LABORATORIES: ACTION-BASED EDUCATIONAL TOURISM TO ENHANCE YOUTH ECOLOGICAL STEWARDSHIP
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v10i1.48224Keywords:
Environmental Awareness, Environmental Education, Living Laboratories, PLS-SEM, Youth StewardshipAbstract
This study examines the influence of action-based educational tourism on bridging the "knowledge-action gap" within environmental education. The research aims to evaluate how motivation, awareness, knowledge, and active participation through the "SatuBumi River Cleanup" program shape the pro-environmental behavior (PEB) of high school and university students. Using a quantitative-explanatory method with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data were collected from 206 respondents via purposive sampling. The results reveal that environmental motivation (beta = 0.403) and active participation (beta = 0.279) are the primary drivers of sustainable behavioral change, while environmental knowledge showed no statistical significance (beta = 0.021). The novelty of this research lies in the integration of Richards’ 3S storytelling framework with physical waste mitigation, transforming polluted river ecosystems into "living laboratories" for socio-ecological transformation. This study challenges the traditional information-delivery paradigm by demonstrating that emotional resonance and physical agency are more effective than theoretical instruction. The implication for educational science suggests a shift toward experiential, narrative-driven pedagogy to foster genuine ecological stewardship. By providing empirical evidence of how immersive environments catalyze behavioral shifts, this research contributes to the broader development of science in educational methodology, advocating for the institutionalization of action-based learning to achieve long-term sustainability goals.
Downloads
References
Ananta, R. R., Putri, D. R., Azzahra, M., Cahyana, K. F., & Shintya, H. R. (2024). Implikasi Konsep Tri Hita Karana terhadap Aktivitas Masyarakat di Desa Panglipuran [The Implications of the Tri Hita Karana Concept on Community Activities in Penglipuran Village]. Jurnal Silatene Sosial Humaniora, 2(1), 18-26. https://doi.org/10.53611/v9b94k54.
Andari, R. (2023). Educational Tourism and Community-Based Ecotourism: Diversification for Tourist Education. Journal of Tourism Education, 3(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.17509/jote.v3i2.66099.
Arcodia, C., Abreu Novais, M., Cavlek, N., & Humpe, A. (2021). Educational tourism and experiential learning: Students’ perceptions of field trips. Tourism Review, 76(1), 241-254. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-05-2019-0155.
Ardianti, D. A., Affandi, N. R. D. A., Wifka, W. R. S., Rasid, M. R. A., & Fauzi, R. F. (2024). Education on Organic Waste Management as an Effort in Emergency Waste Mitigation Communication: Edukasi Pengelolaan Sampah Organik Sebagai Upaya Komunikasi Mitigasi Darurat Sampah. CONSEN: Indonesian Journal of Community Services and Engagement, 4(2), 172-182. https://doi.org/10.57152/consen.v4i2.1533.
Armutcu, B., Tan, A., Amponsah, M., Parida, S., & Ramkissoon, H. (2023). Tourist behaviour: The role of digital marketing and social media. Acta psychologica, 240, 104025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104025.
Astalini, A., Darmaji, D., Kurniawan, D. A., Perdana, R., & Andriyanto, A. (2024). Does the inquiry learning model have an impact on social attitudes and responsible character?. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi, 8(1), 104-116. https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v8i1.31981.
Aulia, B., Suharto, B., Isnaini, S., & Agustina, T. S. (2024). Ekologi dan budaya: mengintegrasikan keberlanjutan pariwisata berbentuk festival [Ecology and Culture: Integrating Sustainability in Festival Tourism]. Kepariwisataan: Jurnal Ilmiah, 18(2), 90. https://doi.org/10.47256/kji.v18i2.387.
Boca, G.D., & Saraçli, S. (2019). Environmental education and student’s perception, for sustainability. Sustainability (Switzerland), 11(6). Scopus. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11061553.
Christiani, L. C., Ikasari, P. N., & Nisa, F. K. (2022). Creative tourism development through storynomics tourism model in Borobudur. Jurnal Studi Komunikasi, 6(3), 871-884. https://doi.org/10.25139/jsk.v6i3.4682.
Dameria, C., Akbar, R., Indradjati, P. N., & Tjokropandojo, D. S. (2020). A Conceptual Framework for Understanding Sense of Place Dimensions in the Heritage Context. Journal of Regional and City Planning, 31(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.5614/jpwk.2020.31.2.3.
De Meyer, K., Coren, E., McCaffrey, M., & Slean, C. (2021). Transforming the stories we tell about climate change: From “issue” to “action.” Environmental Research Letters, 16(1). Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/abcd5a.
Debrah, J.K., Vidal, D.G., & Dinis, M.A.P. (2021). Raising awareness on solid waste management through formal education for sustainability: A developing countries evidence review. Recycling, 6(1), 1–21. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling6010006.
Delamontano, E., Endyana, C., Winoto, Y., & Novianti, E. (2025). Developing Environmental Numeracy Materials through Problem-Based Learning and Contextual Mathematics for Young Learners. Mimbar Sekolah Dasar, 12(3), 510-525. https://doi.org/10.53400/mimbar-sd.v12i3.89170.
Delamontano, E., Endyana, C., Winoto, Y., & Novianti, E. (2025). Knowledge Management and Storytelling as Social Transformation Tools in Educational Tourism on the Citarum River. Jurnal Masyarakat Madani Indonesia, 4(3), 560-567. https://doi.org/10.59025/zn6hb591.
Ely, A. J., Tuhumena, L., Sopaheluwakan, J., & Pattinaja, Y. (2021). Strategi pengelolaan ekosistem hutan mangrove di Negeri Amahai [Management Strategies for the Mangrove Forest Ecosystem in Amahai]. TRITON: Jurnal Manajemen Sumberdaya Perairan, 17(1), 57–67. https://doi.org/10.30598/TRITONvol17issue1page57-67.
Ernawati, N. M., Raden, A. T., Arjana, I. W. B., Puspita, N. P. L. A., & Negru, R. (2022). Niche market of event for village tourism. International Journal of Applied Sciences in Tourism and Events, 6(2), 120-126. https://doi.org/10.31940/ijaste.v6i2.120-126.
Fajar, F. H. P., Warsito, B., & Sugiharto, A. (2024). Pengembangan aplikasi analisis PLS-SEM berbasis R Shiny dan penerapan UTAUT2 untuk evaluasi penerimaan sistem informasi [Developing an R Shiny-Based PLS-SEM Analysis Application and Applying UTAUT2 to Evaluate Information System Acceptance]. JST (Jurnal Sains dan Teknologi), 13(1), 147–158. https://doi.org/10.23887/jstundiksha.v13i1.68568.
Fenitra, R. M., Premananto, G. C., Sedera, R. M. H., Abbas, A., & Laila, N. (2022). Environmentally responsible behavior and Knowledge-Belief-Norm in the tourism context: The moderating role of types of destinations. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks, 10(2), 273-288.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2022.05.001.
Gómez-Ruiz, M. L., Morales-Yago, F. J., & de Lázaro-Torres, M. L. (2021). Outdoor education, the enhancement and sustainability of cultural heritage: Medieval Madrid. Sustainability, 13(3), 1106. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031106.
Guntar, E. L., Prami, A. I. N. D., & Ketaren, J. J. L. (2023). Effectiveness of online learning in hospitality and tourism management study program at runata business college. Indonesian Journal of Educational Development (IJED), 4(1), 15-22. https://doi.org/10.59672/ijed.v4i1.2822.
Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M., Danks, N. P., & Ray, S. (2021). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using R: A workbook. Springer international publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80519-7.
Haryadi, D., & Widodo, H. (2020). Pengembangan kurikulum berbasis adiwiyata untuk meningkatkan kemampuan practical life [Developing an Adiwiyata-Based Curriculum to Enhance Practical Life Skills]. Nidhomul Haq: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 5(2), 195–210. https://doi.org/10.31538/ndh.v5i2.558.
Hassan, T. H., Shehata, H. S., El-Dief, M., & Salem, A. E. (2020). The social responsibility of tourism and hotel establishments and their role in sustainable tourism development in al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Geo Journal of Tourism and Geosites, 33, 1564-1570. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.334spl18-609.
Hendrawan, V. S. A., Rahardjo, A. P., Mawandha, H. G., Aldrian, E., Muhari, A., & Komori, D. (2025). Past and future climate–related hazards in Indonesia. EGUsphere, 2025, 1-34. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-584.
Indira, F. R., Wardani, D. K., & Murwaningsih, T. (2024). How Does Creativity and Environmental Support Matter on University Students’ Digital Entrepreneurial Intention?: A Mediated Model. Jurnal Kependidikan: Jurnal Hasil Penelitian dan Kajian Kepustakaan di Bidang Pendidikan, Pengajaran, dan Pembelajaran, 10(2), 439-450. https://doi.org/10.33394/jk.v10i2.11017.
Jabbari, G., Imani Khoshkhoo, M. H., Basouli, M., & Asadi, M. (2025). Resilience Model of Tourism Industry Stakeholders relying on Socio-cultural capacities: A case study of selected tourism provinces of Iran. urban tourism, 12(1), 39-60. https://doi.org/10.22059/JUT.2024.367897.1167.
Kaize, B. R., Rediani, N. N., & Ginting, S. B. (2024). Optimizing students'critical thinking and numeracy literacy skills through task-based learning: an experimental study. Indonesian Journal of Educational Development (IJED), 5(2), 183-193. https://doi.org/10.59672/ijed.v5i2.4049.
Kamila, Q. A. Y. N., Asbari, M., & Darmayanti, E. (2024). Merdeka Belajar: Memahami konsep pembelajaran masa kini [Merdeka Belajar: Understanding Contemporary Learning Concepts]. Journal of Information Systems and Management (JISMA), 3(2), 104–110. https://doi.org/10.4444/jisma.v3i2.909.
Kock, N., & Hadaya, P. (2018). Minimum sample size estimation in PLS‐SEM: The inverse square root and gamma‐exponential methods. Information Systems Journal, 28(1), 227–261. https://doi.org/10.1111/isj.12131.
Kurniawan, D. A., Astalini, A., Darmaji, D., & Yusnidar, Y. (2025). Smart Supervision: Leveraging ELISTA to Strengthen Student Motivation and Thesis Completion. Journal of Educational Technology and Learning Creativity, 3(2), 423–434. https://doi.org/10.37251/jetlc.v3i2.2446.
Kurniawan, D. A., Astalini, A., Darmaji, D., Tanti, T., & Maryani, S. (2022). Innovative learning: Gender perception of e-module linear equations in mathematics and physics. Indonesian Journal on Learning and Advanced Education (IJOLAE), 92-106. https://doi.org/10.23917/ijolae.v4i2.16610.
Lawless, S., Song, A. M., Cohen, P. J., & Morrison, T. H. (2020). Rights, equity and justice: A diagnostic for social meta-norm diffusion in environmental governance. Earth System Governance, 6, 100052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esg.2020.100052.
Lee, A. V. Y., Tan, S. C., & Teo, C. L. (2023). Designs and practices using generative AI for sustainable student discourse and knowledge creation. Smart Learning Environments, 10(1), 59. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-023-00279-1.
Leurs, E., & Kirkpatrick, J. B. (2024). Wildlife–Vehicle Collisions in Tasmania: Tourists’ Attitudes and Behaviour. Animals, 14(16), 2413. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14162413.
Lucrezi, S., & Digun-Aweto, O. (2020). “Who wants to join?” Visitors' willingness to participate in beach litter clean-ups in Nigeria. Marine pollution bulletin, 155, 111167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111167.
Maf'ulla, H. A. (2024). Pengembangan Budaya Lingkungan Sekolah Adiwiyata Melalui Pengenalan Tanaman Berbasis QR Code [Developing an Adiwiyata School Environmental Culture Through QR Code-Based Plant Identification]. Jumat Pendidikan: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 5(2), 62–68. https://doi.org/10.32764/abdimaspen.v5i2.3701.
Marikyan, D., Papagiannidis, S., & Alamanos, E. (2023). Cognitive Dissonance in Technology Adoption: A Study of Smart Home Users. Information Systems Frontiers, 25(3), 1101–1123. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-020-10042-3.
Masriani, E, & Haeny, N. A. (2025). Design Thinking in Education: Developing a Cross-Subject Teacher Collaboration Platform for Creativity Assessment. TOFEDU: The Future of Education Journal, 4(7), 2998–3006. https://doi.org/10.61445/tofedu.v4i7.956.
Mondino, E, & Beery, T. (2018). Ecotourism as a learning tool for sustainable development. The case of Monviso Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, Italy. Journal of Ecotourism. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14724049.2018.1462371.
Rahayu, R. A., Waskitaningsih, N., & Mulyadi, E. (2023). Village development sustainability analysis: A case study in Cijeruk, Bogor Regency. The Journal of Indonesia Sustainable Development Planning, 4(1), 57-68. https://doi.org/10.46456/jisdep.v4i1.413.
Al Muqsit, F., Setiadi, R., & Lo, A. (2024). Waste management in heritage tourism area: Perspectives from visitors and waste management operators. The Journal of Indonesia Sustainable Development Planning, 5(1), 15-26. https://doi.org/10.46456/jisdep.v5i1.524.
Novelli, M. (2004). Niche Tourism. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780080492926.
Nugraha, L. M., Hakim, L., Abdoellah, O. S., Darmawan, A., & Winarno, B. (2024). Socio-Ecological Effect of Transition Landscape Dynamics from Agroforests to Monoculture Plantation in Upper Citarum Watershed. Jurnal Sylva Lestari, 12(2), 279-295. https://doi.org/10.23960/jsl.v12i2.813.
Oe, H., Yamaoka, Y., & Ochiai, H. (2022). A Qualitative Assessment of Community Learning Initiatives for Environmental Awareness and Behaviour Change: Applying UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Framework. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(6). Scopus. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063528.
Paiva, D., Carvalho, L., Brito-Henriques, E., Sousa, A. M., Soares, A. L., & Azambuja, S. T. (2023). Digital storytelling and hopeful last chance tourism experiences. Tourism Geographies, 25(5), 1428-1444. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616688.2023.2224043.
Pandyaswargo, A. H., Rachman, I., Maghfiroh, M. F. N., Kharisma, V., & Onoda, H. (2025). Between awareness and action: Understanding public participation in waste sorting and waste bank programs. Indonesian Journal of Urban and Environmental Technology, 8(2), 305-323. https://doi.org/10.25105/urbanenvirotech.v8i2.23086.
Paramita, N., & Ningrum, S. S. (2020). Selection of sustainable domestic waste management technology case study: tanjung mekar village, karawang. Journal of Community Based Environmental Engineering and Management, 4(2), 51-56. https://doi.org/10.23969/jcbeem.v4i2.3071.
Purnadewi, G. A. A., Arnawa, N., & Tatminingsih, S. (2023). The influence of school culture, learning interest, and learning motivation on science learning outcomes. Indonesian Journal of Educational Development (IJED), 4(2), 126-138. https://doi.org/10.59672/ijed.v4i2.3040.
Putra, A. G. I., Hermanto, B., Winoto, Y., Nugraha, A., & Solihin, H. H. (2025). Astrotourism and ecological awareness: Investigating emotional encounters with the night sky. Journal of Environment and Sustainability Education, 3(4), 511-521. https://doi.org/10.62672/joease.v3i4.109.
Rahmawati, E., Nulhakim, L., Setiawan, S., & Pribadi, R. (2024). Pemanfaatan Lingkungan Sekolah Adiwiyata Sebagai Sarana Penguatan Karakter Peduli Lingkungan [Utilizing the Adiwiyata School Environment as a Means to Strengthen Environmental Care Character]. Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Citra Bakti, 11(1), 268–280. https://doi.org/10.38048/jipcb.v11i1.2636.
Richards, Greg, Wisansing, Jutamas Jan, & Paschinger, Elena. (2018). Creating Creative Tourism Toolkit. https://perfectlink.co.th/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Creating-Creative-Tourism-Toolkit_Version-Eng.pdf.
Riyanto, R., Ferdhianzah, H. J., & Trilaksono, H. (2024). Culture-Based Education Innovation for Children's Character Building in the Context of Educational Tourism Destinations. Al-Ishlah: Jurnal Pendidikan, 16(2), 2134-2147. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v16i2.4861.
Sabol, M., Hair, J., Cepeda, G., Roldán, J. L., & Chong, A. Y. L. (2023). PLS-SEM in information systems: seizing the opportunity and marching ahead full speed to adopt methodological updates. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 123(12), 2997-3017. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-07-2023-0429.
Saepullah, S. (2024). Belajar Dari Peristiwa Leuwigajah: Pandangan Dunia Modern Dan Islam Terhadap Ilmu [Learning from the Leuwigajah Incident: Modern and Islamic Worldviews on Knowledge]. Jurnal Ilmiah Bidan, 2(2), 49–65. https://doi.org/10.69935/jidan.v2i2.6.
Sari, D., Nurhadi, N. Y., Anwar, K., Isa, M., Handayani, S. S., & Sardeni, S. (2021). Pemantauan dan analisis tingkat pencemaran kualitas air sungai di kabupaten tebo [Monitoring and Analyzing River Water Quality Pollution Levels in Tebo Regency]. Jurnal Ilmu Alam dan Lingkungan, 12(2), 15-23. https://doi.org/10.70561/jal.v12i2.17571.
Semenova, L., Klimova, T., & Bogomazova, I. (2021). Storytelling and its potential in the development of tourist destinations in the post-pandemic age. In E3S Web of Conferences (Vol. 291, p. 06002). EDP Sciences.. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202129106002.
Sharma, K., Musa, A. B., Mehra, G. S., Yadav, A., Goyal, H. R., & Sharma, S. (2023, August). Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Educational Tourism. In 2023 7th International Conference On Computing, Communication, Control And Automation (ICCUBEA) (pp. 1-6). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICCUBEA58933.2023.10392075.
Sitinjak, T. A., Trissan, W., Perkasa, P., Permanasuri, N. P. D. A., Kurniawati, M., Nathanael, N., & Ruslan, R. (2025). The Influence of Institutional and Regulatory Aspects and Information on Waste Management on Community Intention to Support Waste Management in the Kahayan River Basin, Central Kalimantan. Ruwa Jurai: Jurnal Kesehatan Lingkungan, 19(1), 8-14. https://doi.org/10.26630/rj.v19i1.4691.
Tanti, T., Kurniawan, D. A., Kuswanto, K., Utami, W., & Wardhana, I. (2020). Science process skills and critical thinking in science: Urban and rural disparity. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 9(4), 489-498. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v9i4.24139.
Tanti, T., Astalini, A., Kurniawan, D. A., Darmaji, D., Puspitasari, T. O., & Wardhana, I. (2021). Attitude for physics: The condition of high school students. Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika Indonesia, 17(2), 126-132. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpfi.v17i2.18919.
Tanti, T., Darmaji, D., Astalini, A., Kurniawan, D. A., & Iqbal, M. (2021). Analysis of user responses to the application of web-based assessment on character assessment. Journal of education technology, 5(3), 356-364. https://doi.org/10.23887/jet.v5i3.33590.
Tanti, T., Utami, W., Deliza, D., & Jahanifar, M. (2025). Investigation in vocation high school for attitude and motivation students in learning physics subject. Journal Evaluation in Education (JEE), 6(2), 479-490. https://doi.org/10.37251/jee.v6i2.1452.
Utami, T., Hasmika, H., & Fitriana, D. (2024). Pembentukan Karakter Peduli Lingkungan: Studi Adiwiyata [Building Environmental Care Character: An Adiwiyata Study]. VOX EDUKASI: Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan, 15(2), 163–177. https://doi.org/10.31932/ve.v15i2.3837.
Wicaksana, T., & Widodo, W. (2024). The Nexus Between Trade Openess and Environmental Degradation: A VECM Analysis. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi, 8(2), 703–719. https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v8i2.36595.
Wickham, H., Averick, M., Bryan, J., Chang, W., McGowan, L. D. A., François, R., ... & Yutani, H. (2019). Welcome to the Tidyverse. Journal of open source software, 4(43), 1686. https://doi.org/10.21105/joss.01686.
Winursita, W, & Johan, R. C. (2024). Strategi Literasi Sampah dalam Penanggulangan Masa Tanggap Darurat Sampah [Waste Literacy Strategies for Managing Waste Emergency Response Periods]. Jurnal Kesehatan Lingkungan Indonesia, 23(2), 249–256. https://doi.org/10.14710/jkli.23.2.249-256.
Wolniewicz, P. (2019). Bringing the history of the earth to the public by using storytelling and fossils from decorative stones of the City of Poznań, Poland. Geoheritage, 11(4), 1827–1837. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-019-00400-2.
Yuliarti, M. S., Rahmanto, A. N., Priliantini, A., Naini, A. M. I., Anshori, M., & Hendriyani, C. T. (2021). Storytelling of Indonesia tourism marketing in social media: Study of Borobudur and Danau Toba Instagram account. Jurnal Komunikasi, 13(1), 107-117. https://doi.org/10.24912/jk.v13i1.9209.
Zakiyatuddin, Q., Undiana, N. N., & Sarbeni, I. (2023). Pengolahan Sampah Dengan Teknik Landfill Di Tpa Sarimukti Yang Merusak Lingkungan Sungai Walungan Cipicung Desa Sarimukti [The Environmental Impact of Landfill Waste Processing at the Sarimukti TPA on the Cipicung River in Sarimukti Village]. Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat Dan Lingkungan Hidup, 8(1), 9–14. https://doi.org/10.51544/jkmlh.v8i1.3785.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Eldo Delamontano, Cipta Endyana, Yunus Winoto, Evi Novianti
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
