ESD-BASED SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT IN ADIWIYATA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

Abstract

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is an important approach for cultivating a sustainability culture among students. This study analyzes the development of ESD-based schools in Adiwiyata Junior High Schools, with a focus on the implementation of activities that support students’ environmental awareness. The research employs a descriptive exploratory qualitative design, using interviews, questionnaires, and observations to collect comprehensive data. The Whole-School Approach Theory guides the analysis to examine how ESD is integrated across school leadership, school culture, curriculum, and participatory practices. The findings indicate that ESD implementation in Adiwiyata Junior High Schools is generally running well, particularly in strengthening environmental care values and everyday environmental practices. Nevertheless, improvements are still needed in curriculum integration and in the systematic development of students’ sustainability-related life skills. In addition, challenges remain in increasing students’ long-term sustainability awareness, which requires stronger collaboration between the school and the community. This study is expected to provide recommendations for further ESD development in Adiwiyata Junior High Schools and in similar school contexts.