Village Waste Bank Empowerment by the UMS Puswirasos

The Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Social Entrepreneurship Studies (Puswirasos) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) facilitated the establishment of the Rukun Makmur Waste Bank in Kertonatan, Kartasura, Sukoharjo, Central Java, on Sunday (1/12/2024).

The Rukun Makmur Waste Bank was officially inaugurated by the Head of Kertonatan Village, Winarto. This inauguration is expected to mark a significant milestone in the independent waste management efforts of the village community. In his speech, Winarto expressed his appreciation for this initiative.

“This is the third waste bank in Kertonatan Village. We hope this facility will support environmental cleanliness and raise residents’ awareness of the importance of proper waste management,” said Winarto.

Participants attending the inauguration of the Rukun Makmur Waste Bank. UMS Public Relations

The Chairperson of the Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Social Entrepreneurship Studies (Puswirasos UMS), Soepatini, Ph.D., explained that Puswirasos UMS encourages the community to take responsibility for the waste they produce. This mentoring effort, she said, aims to reduce the volume of waste sent to final disposal sites (TPA).

“Waste management is a global issue. It cannot be solely shouldered by the government. We encourage every household to sort their waste and channel it to waste banks,” explained Soepatini on Monday (2/12/2024).

Kertonatan Village was chosen due to its strategic location as the gateway to Kartasura and Sukoharjo. The village is relatively distant from the Sukoharjo TPA. Moreover, as Kartasura hosts UMS, the university can play a role in assisting the communities surrounding its campus.

Residents and members of the study center posing together. UMS Public Relations

According to Soepatini, the establishment of a waste bank in this village is an effort to reduce the volume of waste sent to the Sukoharjo TPA. In its initial phase, the Rukun Makmur Waste Bank will focus on strengthening its organizational structure, creating solidarity among members, and raising public awareness.

“Our hope is that this waste bank will not only be sustainable and professional but also capable of producing creative products from waste, becoming an additional source of income for customers, and encouraging households to achieve zero waste,” she added.

The Chairperson of the Kartasura Waste Bank Communication Forum (Forbassura), Budi Setyana, S.H., also attended the event. He highlighted Kartasura's strategic role in the environmental cleanliness program of Sukoharjo, particularly as one of the monitoring points for the Adipura award.

Writer: Fika

Translator: Rizal

Editor: Gede

Source: News UMS