Jakarta, September 24, 2024 – A healthy environment, essential for children’s growth and development, has become a significant challenge, especially in urban areas. Poorly managed waste has posed a serious threat to the environment, polluting water, soil, and air. Recognizing the importance of environmental education, particularly in waste management, PT Solusi Bangun Indonesia Tbk (SBI), a subsidiary of SIG, mobilized employees as volunteers for the “Kelola Sampah di Sekitar Kita” (Kelas Kita) program. This initiative targeted students of Sekolah Alam Indonesia Meruyung in Depok on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. The event was attended by SBI’s Director of Manufacturing, Soni Asrul Sani, and Director of Human Capital, Legal & Corporate Affairs, Ony Suprihartono.
The Kelas Kita program in Meruyung marked the second time SBI conducted this initiative through its eco-friendly waste management division, Nathabumi. The program invited SBI employees to volunteer as educators, teaching waste sorting and composting through interactive and fun learning methods. The first Kelas Kita program was held at Sekolah Alam Cibinong in 2023.
Opening the program, SBI’s Director of Human Capital, Legal & Corporate Affairs, Ony Suprihartono, highlighted Kelas Kita as an example of cross-stakeholder collaboration by SBI to realize sustainable development.
“SBI believes that sustainable development is not limited to physical construction but also aligns with environmental protection and social responsibility. Kelas Kita is a concrete action and a testament to our commitment to creating a healthy environment and a viable future for our children,” said Ony Suprihartono.
The Principal of Sekolah Alam Indonesia Meruyung, Aditya Widi Nugraha, expressed his appreciation for SBI’s initiative. “The Kelas Kita program aligns closely with our school’s 7 Green Principles, which emphasize exposure and hands-on experiences within the school environment. We strongly support programs that enrich children’s knowledge and encourage sustainable lifestyles while fostering greater environmental appreciation,” said Aditya.
In addition to educating students on waste sorting and composting, SBI has collaborated with regional governments on using Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) from urban waste management processes. SBI pioneered RDF technology implementation in Indonesia, helping local governments address waste issues and providing a low-carbon alternative energy source. To date, SBI has partnered with several regional governments, including the Aceh Provincial Government, Jakarta Provincial Government, Banyumas Regency, Cilacap Regency, Bantul Regency, Sleman Regency, Temanggung Regency, Yogyakarta City, Sumenep Regency, Banyuwangi Regency, Jembrana Regency, and waste managers in Denpasar, Bali.
Fitri Agus Wahyudi, a concrete business unit employee and Kelas Kita volunteer, expressed enthusiasm for participating in the program. “Usually, I go to work in the morning, but today, I went to school to teach. I’m thrilled because this is an opportunity to contribute more to the environment by engaging directly with the community, especially the school environment,” shared Agus.
The program engaged 5th and 6th-grade students of Sekolah Alam Indonesia Meruyung. One of the students, Faida Alkarimah, shared her hopes about composting. “I hope that through composting, many plants will grow, and the environment will no longer be polluted by waste,” said Faida.