Residents Process 2 Tons of Waste Daily, Turning Waste into Valuable Products
Residents of Kuala Tanjung Village in Batubara Regency, North Sumatra, process around 1 to 2 tons of waste every day through the Berseri Waste Bank programme, which is based on Black Soldier Fly maggot processing. From this activity, household waste to company catering waste is transformed into various sellable products such as animal feed, furniture, and recycled paper.
The programme is driven by Didi Saputra (41), affectionately known as Untung, along with the Sari Larva Berdaya (SLB) group, which later developed into the Berseri Waste Bank in 2024. Since 2021, they have been developing organic waste processing based on maggots as a solution for waste reduction as well as a new economic source in the village.
The results of the processing do not only stop at reducing waste volume but also create new economic products. Maggots are used as feed for chickens, ducks, and fish, while wooden pallet waste is processed into tables and chairs. Meanwhile, paper waste and banana fronds are turned into recycled paper and paper bags.
“Initially, we learned to manage waste with maggots. Over time, we realised that this is not just about cleanliness, but it can also be a source of income,” said Didi, quoted on Monday (27/4/2026).
The activity also opens up new job opportunities for villagers. Currently, 17 people are actively involved in waste management, including vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities and school dropouts.
Didi stated that community involvement is not limited by physical conditions or educational backgrounds. Several people with disabilities are involved in the waste sorting process to the production of recycled goods.
“There are those who are visually impaired, and others with other limitations, but they can still work, such as sorting waste or making recycled products,” he said.
On the other hand, the programme also touches on the education aspect. School dropouts are assisted to take the Paket B and C exams so they can have formal certificates again.
The Berseri Waste Bank also implements a savings system based on inorganic waste such as plastic and paper. Residents can exchange them for balances that can be cashed in as basic necessities ahead of major holidays, at prices around 30 percent cheaper than the market.
The programme receives support from PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) as part of MIND ID through training and the provision of waste management facilities so that it can operate more independently and sustainably.
This support is also part of the company’s social innovation that contributes to achieving the PROPER Gold award in the environmental sector and community empowerment.
In the future, Didi hopes that waste management in his village can be expanded with the support of transport fleets so that the service reach is wider. This development is expected to strengthen the village’s role in community-based circular economy.