Detail Social Activities

Carry Down Plastic Waste #3: From a Single Step to a Movement

Puncak Mangu, October 20, 2024 — As the sun hesitated to rise behind a thin layer of mist, footsteps once again echoed along the hiking trail to Pura Pucak Mangu. The mountain was revisited—not to conquer its summit, but to leave this sacred place cleaner than when it was first set foot on.

For the third time, Paralegals.id organized an event titled “Carry Down Plastic Waste”, a social initiative that has become part of the firm’s cultural and ethical identity. No longer merely an internal effort, the movement is now attracting participants from outside the Paralegals.id circle—opening the door to broader collaboration.

Rooted in Tradition, Growing with Generations

As with the two previous editions, this activity once again partnered with Sispala Wana Bhakti Pertiwi from SMA Negeri 1 Mengwi. This nature-loving organization is not just a technical partner but an integral part of the movement’s story. Initiated by Suka Antarayasa in 2007 when he was still a student, Sispala has long served as a platform for instilling ecological values in younger generations.

“We feel we’ve grown alongside this activity. For the students, it’s not just field experience—it’s a life lesson,” said a Sispala alumnus who, after completing university, felt called to return as a mentor.

A Growing Circle: From Colleagues to Comrades

What distinguishes Carry Down Plastic Waste #3 from previous events is its broader participation. This time, a number of lawyers from various law firms in Denpasar joined in. They are longtime friends of Suka Antarayasa and Yuda Swastika, partners at Paralegals.id—old colleagues from their days as notary staff, now bringing along new friends of their own.

Interestingly, most of these new participants came not through formal invitations, but through stories. Stories shared by those who had joined previous events and felt that this activity was not just about picking up plastic waste—but also about cleansing the soul, reconnecting with others, and restoring humanity’s relationship with nature.

“I brought a friend because this event felt sincere. There was no pretense, just an energy that makes you want to return. And my friend ended up bringing another friend. This is no longer just an event—it has become a movement,” said a first-time participant.

From Picking Up Trash to Changing Perspectives

As usual, the activity started in the morning and continued until late afternoon. The hiking trail was walked with a spirit of cooperation, where each participant carried a trash bag and collected plastic waste along the way. There were no appointed officers, no formal leaders—just a shared awareness that nature is not a dumping ground. The guiding principle remained the same:

What you carry up, you must also carry down.

Behind its simplicity, this principle has evolved into a kind of life philosophy—one that teaches responsibility for every action, no matter how small.

Law and Nature: Two Pillars, One Value

As a law firm founded and growing in Bali, Paralegals.id understands that justice is not only about relationships among people but also between people and nature. The Palemahan concept within Tri Hita Karana serves as a meeting point between legal professionalism and ecological ethics.

“We don’t want to be a law office that’s only busy in boardrooms. We want to engage with real-life issues—to be part of efforts to preserve nature, culture, and community,” said Endra Setiawan, co-founder of Paralegals.id.

Small Steps, Open Space

Today, Carry Down Plastic Waste has become an open space—not only for those who love nature but for anyone who wants to take part in a meaningful step forward. From students to lawyers, from notary staff to environmental activists, all unite in this simple yet significant movement.

Because in the end, caring for the Earth is not just the responsibility of the youth, nor only of nature enthusiasts—but a shared duty for all of us.