The issue of waste remains a major challenge in Indonesia. Much of\nthe waste generated daily is not managed properly, triggering various\nenvironmental and health problems. Amid this situation, an initiative by\nresidents in Kuala Tanjung Village, North Sumatra, demonstrates that\nwaste can also become a source of economic benefit.<\/p>\n
Didi Saputra (41), familiarly known as Untung, has become the driving\nforce behind waste management in his village. Since 2021, he and the\nvillagers have begun processing organic waste using maggots or larvae of\nthe Black Soldier Fly. From this effort, the Sari Larva Berdaya (SLB)\ngroup was formed, which later developed into Bank Sampah Berseri in\n2024.<\/p>\n
\u201cInitially, we learned to manage waste with maggots. Over time, we\nrealised this is not just about cleanliness, but can also become a\nsource of income,\u201d said Didi in an official statement on Wednesday\n(29\/4\/2026).<\/p>\n
Currently, the group is capable of processing around 1 to 2 tonnes of\nwaste every day. The waste is collected from company catering waste and\nnearby households. The results of the processing are diverse. Maggots\nare used as animal feed for chickens, ducks, and fish.<\/p>\n
In addition, wooden pallet waste is processed into tables and chairs,\nwhile paper waste and banana fronds are turned into recycled paper and\npaper bags that have market value. Not only does this impact the\nenvironment, but the activity also opens up new job opportunities for\nresidents.<\/p>\n
As many as 17 people are now actively involved in the waste\nmanagement. Didi specifically involves vulnerable groups, such as people\nwith disabilities and school dropouts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are those who are blind, and others with other limitations,\nbut they can still work, such as sorting waste or making recycled\nproducts,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In addition, the group also helps school dropouts to take the Paket B\nand C exams so they can obtain diplomas. Economic benefits are also felt\nthrough the Bank Sampah Berseri savings system. Residents can exchange\ninorganic waste like plastic and paper for savings balance.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, ahead of major holidays like Eid, the balance can be\ncashed out in the form of essential goods packages at around 30 percent\ncheaper than market prices. This effort is also supported by PT\nIndonesia Asahan Aluminium (INALUM) as part of MIND ID.<\/p>\n
Support is provided in the form of training and facilities, enabling\nthe community to develop independent waste management. This programme is\npart of social innovation that contributes to the company\u2019s achievement\nof the PROPER Gold award.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, Didi assesses that their journey is still long. In the\nfuture, he hopes to have a waste transport fleet so that the service\nreach can be expanded to more households.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe continue to learn and move forward. From waste, we can be\nindependent and help each other,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/kuala-tanjung-residents-turn-2-tonnes-of-waste-into-income-source-1777438363", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }