World Environment Day: Dompu Students Recycle Domestic Waste
World Environment Day is an annual agenda of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) observed globally every 5 June, including by PT Sumbawa Timur Mining (STM) within its Hu’u Project operational area. This year, STM launched its World Environment Day activities by inviting students from SMAN 1 Pajo, Dompu Regency, to recycle domestic waste, specifically used cooking oil.
According to data from the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Central Bureau of Statistics, the average consumption of cooking oil in the province is projected to reach approximately 1.2 litres per capita per month by 2025. Given this high consumption rate, a significant portion of oil ends up as used cooking oil (jelantah). This waste requires proper management, including recycling, to prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems and soil fertility, as well as to avoid health issues caused by harmful compounds.
The activities at SMAN 1 Pajo began with environmental education and tutorials on the utilisation of used cooking oil, presented by the STM Sustainability team. The instructors explained that rather than being discarded, used cooking oil can be recycled into soap, candles, or simple lubricants. Following the tutorial, participants were guided to create useful products, specifically laundry soap, using the provided materials.
The Principal of SMAN 1 Pajo, Amar Hadi, welcomed STM’s initiative to involve students in World Environment Day activities. “Students can directly experience how they protect the environment, promote a healthy ecosystem, and recycle used cooking oil into beneficial products,” Amar stated on Saturday.
He added that the activity aligns with the values implemented at SMAN 1 Pajo, which focus on earth-centric education. Amar also expressed hope that STM would continue to support the development of educational quality in Dompu Regency, as it has done previously.
STM’s Principal Environmental Advisor, Ratri Auliandari, explained that the environmental education for SMAN 1 Pajo students is a continuation of the “Sustainability Goes to School” programme. This programme is conducted rotationally in schools located around STM’s operational areas. Previously, this proactive environmental programme took place at SDN 12 Hu’u, focusing on plastic waste recycling.
Ratri added that for the 2026 World Environment Day commemorations, STM’s efforts extended beyond recycling education at SMAN 1 Pajo. “We also have environmental programmes involving various stakeholders, such as tree planting with the community of Sawe Village and environmental workshops for STM employees and partners at the Hu’u Site. This collaborative step aligns with the global theme for World Environment Day 2026, #NowForClimate,” she explained.
These activities complement STM’s integrated efforts in environmental preservation both inside and outside its operational areas. Throughout 2026, STM has planted and distributed over 1,150 tree seedlings to the community to support reforestation programmes. Previously, in 2025, STM rehabilitated 8.92 hectares of land no longer used for exploration purposes, reaching 105% of its original target.
“Various environmental preservation efforts, such as baseline studies, routine monitoring, and plant nursery operations, continue to be conducted to ensure the development of the Hu’u Project remains in harmony with the surrounding nature. As a sign of commitment, STM has also obtained the international ISO 14001:2015 certification for Environmental Management Systems, demonstrating the company’s seriousness towards environmental protection even during the exploration stage,” concluded Ratri.