Turning Waste into Blessings: A Heartwarming Look at Amaliyah's Journey in Reducing Waste in Kampung Masigit with PNM

Various data indicate an increase in waste piles at Temporary Disposal Sites (TPUs) with numerous challenges. Amid these growing issues, awareness of sorting and processing household waste—the largest contributor to TPUs—becomes increasingly important. Waste, often viewed as a problem, can actually be transformed into economically valuable opportunities while delivering positive environmental and social impacts.

In Bojonegara Subdistrict, Serang Regency, a PNM Mekaar customer has driven a solution to this issue from the grassroots level. Starting with a home-based business in 2019, Ibu Amaliyah has not only expanded her venture but also initiated waste processing that provides economic value and social benefits to the surrounding community.

Ibu Amaliyah’s journey with PNM accelerated significantly after receiving empowerment through PNM Mekaar in 2023. Beyond additional capital, she gained mentoring and guidance that boosted her business capacity. Through PNM, she developed the Amalia Kitchen brand, a home baking business, where she processes its waste into various items such as aromatherapy products and ecobrick sofas. As production increased, waste accumulation became a challenge, which she addressed wisely by inviting other women to engage in similar sorting activities.

This initiative not only reduces waste but has also given birth to the MATA Waste Bank (Masigit Asri Tanpa Sampah), involving the local community. Here, 86 members deposit waste and receive payment in rupiah for every kilogram submitted. Beyond business, Ibu Amaliyah uses the activity as a field for sharing, setting aside part of the profits for the poor and orphans.

With emotion, she shared, “I never imagined that what started as housewives in casual clothes collecting waste could lead to becoming a Mekaarpreneur champion. Alhamdulillah, from this simple activity, I can share and benefit others.”

PNM Corporate Secretary L Dodot Patria Ary added, “What Ibu Amaliyah has done is a real illustration of the spirit that PNM seeks to continually foster. From simple things, like a home kitchen, broad impacts can emerge—not only strengthening family economies but also bringing social care and preserving the surrounding environment,” said Dodot.