Kartini from Kepaon: Processing Organic Waste with Maggots Amid the Waste Crisis

In Kampung Islam Kepaon, Desa Pemogan, Denpasar, Bali, Ana Rohanah Salamah is known as a woman who consistently processes organic waste in an unconventional way. The 1974-born woman utilises maggots as a solution for waste management. Amid the many residents of Denpasar and Badung who still struggle to process organic waste, Ana has already taken action ahead of them. She uses larvae of the Black Soldier Fly (BSF), or black soldier fly, to break down organic waste by up to 70%, capable of processing 50-100 kilograms (kg). “I manage organic waste based on maggots spontaneously. Seeing this most perfect creation of God, this animal is one of the creatures capable of processing organic waste well,” said Ana when met by detikBali on Monday (20/4/2026). Ana began pursuing waste management in 2015. At that time, she was still working as a waste manager in her neighbourhood. The condition of the Sungai Taman Pancing, filled with rubbish, made her concerned. From there, the woman from Cilacap sought a simpler way to tackle organic waste. Her choice fell on maggots, which have a fast life cycle and are effective in breaking down waste. “Maggots understand what they want from the waste. The waste is managed very quickly and produces many benefits from the maggots, which can also serve as an alternative livestock feed,” she explained. She admitted that processing waste with this natural method is not easy. She once failed and stopped. In the last two years, Ana has proven again that this method can work optimally. Now, she has developed “Kebun Imut” or “Rumah Imut” on Jalan Raya Pemogan, Gang Sholeh. The two-are plot of land serves as a place to integrate maggots, poultry, and plants. Although this cultivation initially received criticism, over time many have become aware of the importance of proper waste management. She admitted it took a long journey to get it accepted well. “Alhamdulillah, I am grateful; the most important thing is still being given the happiness to explore deeper. There are pluses and minuses, but they must be gone through,” she acknowledged. Ana now also plays a role in managing organic waste at TPS3R Pemogan. Her efforts have been recognised by the Head of TPS3R Kubu Lestari Desa Pemogan and supported by the Village Head up to the Klian of Kampung Islam Kepaon due to the positive steps taken by this Kartini figure amid the chaotic waste situation. Looking ahead, Ana hopes for support from the Denpasar City Government (Pemkot) to provide better facilities for managing organic waste. She would not mind being relocated to a plantation area, as long as this noble task can be carried out properly. “I hope this place can be legalised, so that Kampung Islam Kepaon has this asset. With Ruang Imut, it can also provide understanding, including that throwing waste into rivers is haram as per the MUI fatwa; I agree with that,” she added. Becoming a Learning Centre for Waste Management The mother of three says that not a few community members and environmentally conscious academics visit her Kebun Imut to learn how maggots can break down organic waste. Maggots that evolve into black soldier flies have a short life cycle. From 10 days of hatching, the maggots then become a natural organic waste processing machine for 20 days before turning into prepupae. “Whereas when they become flies, they only last one week. However, this BSF fly is different from the usual ones; this is the best,” she explained. Students from Udayana University undertaking KKN in Desa Pemogan also study this method, then disseminate it to schools and the community. Several times, environmental enthusiasts have exchanged ideas on managing waste using natural to modern methods, turning the useless into useful and the valueless into valuable or economically viable. On the other hand, the wife of a former religious teacher has high hopes of owning an asset for managing organic waste. Considering she has to rent land at a considerable cost. “Alhamdulillah, this is helped by donations. Now I feel this is the best day, grateful for everything that has been possessed. May this also inspire, and insyaallah, the future will be even better,” Ana concluded.