Jababeka Supports the Establishment of the Mekarwangi Waste Bank in Harjamekar Village- Cikarang
CIKARANG, September 25, 2024 – A waste bank in residential areas is very beneficial. Not only does it help the environment become cleaner and healthier, but it also improves the economy of the local community through the sale of sorted waste and handicrafts made from recyclable waste. In fact, the proceeds from the sale of the waste bank can help residents finance positive environmental activities without spending personal funds.
One of those who knows these benefits and want to have a waste bank is the mothers of residents in Harjamekar Village, Cikarang Utara, Bekasi Regency. However, it has not been realized, because it is still constrained by not having waste bank equipment, and not understanding how to manage waste banks and waste processing so that they can make money.
Jababeka, who knew about it, directly acted. Through its subsidiary, PT Jababeka Infrastruktur – as the manager of the Jababeka Industrial Estate, Jababeka initiated waste bank management and household waste processing training activities and provided waste bank equipment, namely digital scales, savings books, garbage cans, promotional banners, and name signs.
This was done by Jababeka because it was in line with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program of Jabat Alam which seeks to preserve the environment around the area. In addition, Jababeka has used to support the establishment of a waste bank where now it has fostered 4 Waste Banks, namely the Dahlia Waste Bank, the Senyum Bumiku Waste Bank, the Venus Waste Bank, and the Mekarwangi Waste Bank.
In the event which lasted more than two hours, the training went smoothly with the participants actively asking questions about how to “convert” household waste into money to the presenters who attended. Starting from Imam Naufal from the Bekasi Regency Environmental Office, Subandi as Head of the Villa Asri Waste Bank, to H. Wijayanto. S.Sos as the Head of Harjamekar Village who came to inaugurate the Mekarwangi Waste Bank.
“Each waste bank operates with a similar mechanism, where people register as members of the waste bank. Then collect and sort waste from their households – whether it’s cardboard, clear plastic, cans, or iron, and then hand it over to a waste bank to be weighed and assessed. The value is recorded as a balance in their passbook,” said Subandi, when explaining his material.
Meanwhile, Wijayanto hopes that the presence of the Mekarwangi Waste Bank can be run by the residents of Harjamekar village as soon as possible so that residents can quickly feel the benefits. Starting from making the environment cleaner, increasing economic income, and reducing the volume of waste sent to the Final Disposal Site (TPA).
“I already have a dream to present a waste bank. Because knowing the benefits of the waste bank is indeed extraordinary. In the past, we wanted a waste bank, but now it has only been implemented,” said Wijayanto, in his speech.
He did not forget to appreciate and thank Jababeka for proactively taking the role of initiator and collaborator in the establishment of the Mekarwangi waste bank, as well as making the residents of Harjamekar Village faster to establish a waste bank.
The same thing is apparently also expected by Didik Purbadi, President Director of PT Jababeka Infrastruktur. Purbadi – his nickname, hopes that in addition to providing benefits for the environment, the presence of the Mekarwangi Waste Bank can also provide social and economic benefits for the people of Harjamekar Village.
“We are happy to be involved and help establish this waste bank. Hopefully, the presence of the Mekarwangi waste bank can bring blessings and benefits and the settlements in Mekarwangi Village will be cleaner, healthier, and more orderly,” said Purbadi.
Not stopping there, he added that in the future Jababeka will support the development of the Mekarwangi Waste Bank by inviting tenants in the Jababeka Industrial Estate to collaborate to support the Mekarwangi Waste Bank programs in an effort to preserve the environment.