How CSWM UI is Helping Sawangan Rise Above the Waste Crisis
The Center for Sustainability and Waste Management at Universitas Indonesia (CSWM UI) has taken significant steps in tackling Indonesia’s growing waste issue by launching a capacity-building program in Sawangan, Depok.
This program aims to educate local communities about the circular economy concept and how it ties to waste management, reflecting a growing trend of grassroots involvement in addressing environmental issues while promoting sustainable economic growth.
A Waste Crisis in Sawangan
Kecamatan Sawangan, a sub-district in Depok, faces significant waste management challenges. With nearly two million residents in Depok producing over 1,260 tons of waste per day, the region is struggling to keep up with the waste produced.
Sawangan Lama, in particular, suffers from poor waste management infrastructure, contributing to environmental degradation. Without adequate facilities for waste sorting and recycling, local communities experience worsening conditions, including slum formation, water contamination, and broader public health risks.
The issue is further stressed by the overflow of Cipayung landfill, which has exceeded its 3.5 million metric ton capacity. As a result, the region is facing a growing urgency to develop sustainable waste management solutions.
A Shift Towards Sustainable Waste Management
On September 21, 2024, CSWM UI rolled out its capacity-building program titled “Memajukan Ekonomi Sirkular
dengan Teknologi Komunal untuk Solusi Sampah Maksimal.”
This program is part of a broader commitment by Universitas Indonesia’s Public Service Grant (Hibah Pengabdian Masyarakat) to enhance public awareness and skill-building around sustainable waste management.
Led by Prof. Mochamad Chalid, the program focuses on transforming the way local communities in Sawangan handle waste, with an emphasis on reducing plastic waste through best recycling practices and communal technologies.
According to Prof. Chalid, the goal isn’t just to educate but to bring about real behavioral changes, encouraging community members to take charge of managing waste more efficiently.
Local Champions as Change Agents
A unique aspect of this program is the empowerment of “Local Champions” – selected community members who are trained to become advocates for sustainable waste management.
These individuals will be equipped with knowledge of waste separation, recycling techniques, and the use of communal technology to manage plastic waste. By leveraging local expertise and insights, the program fosters a sense of ownership and agency among participants.
The use of active participatory methods or Metode Partisipasi Aktif (MPA), enables community members to voice their challenges and co-create solutions. This approach ensures that the program is not just a top-down initiative but one that resonates with the local context and needs.
Circular Economy as a Pathway to Social Impact
The concept of the circular economy – where waste is minimized, and resources are reused and recycled—lies at the heart of this initiative. The program educates participants on the economic and environmental benefits of a circular approach, such as reducing the strain on landfills, conserving natural resources, and creating new income streams through recycled products.
Adream Bais Junior, an expert in circular economy and a keynote speaker at the program, highlights how communal technology can help optimize waste management. By turning waste into a resource, local communities can contribute to a more sustainable future while also improving their quality of life.
A Model for Replication
The program’s success in Sawangan holds potential as a scalable model for other regions facing similar waste challenges. With Indonesia’s landfills rapidly reaching capacity, programs like this, which integrate education, technology, and community participation, are crucial for addressing the country’s growing waste problem.
In the long run, this capacity-building initiative will not only help clean up local environments but also drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth. By treating waste as a resource, communities can unlock new opportunities, creating a ripple effect that contributes to both environmental health and social prosperity.
