Universities ready to support national waste management

  Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto stated that universities in Indonesia are ready to assist the government in addressing the country’s waste problem.

In a statement issued here on Thursday, he said universities are prepared to take an active role, particularly in building waste management governance at the micro level.

“We are ready to help. Our student and lecturer resources are substantial, therefore we are prepared to provide support,” he remarked.

He added that student involvement will be strengthened through various academic schemes to ensure a sustainable impact. As an initial step, collaboration will focus on developing pilot projects in several cities with the active participation of local universities.

Students will be deployed through thematic Community Service Program (KKN) and community engagement initiatives to provide education on waste sorting, organic waste processing, and strengthening community-based monitoring systems.

In addition, he said his ministry is encouraging the expansion of the Campus Zero Waste initiative, which aims for universities not only to resolve internal waste issues, but also to serve as centers of innovation for best practices for local governments.

Currently, more than one hundred campuses have established independent waste management systems, and the number will continue to grow.

Scientific support includes organic waste treatment, composting, biodigesters, recycled material engineering, and waste-to-energy conversion technologies, as well as studies to enhance the effectiveness of existing regional facilities.

“The assistance is designed not as a one-off program, but to last one semester and be convertible into academic credits. Students will directly assist, monitor, and ensure the system operates properly,” Yuliarto said.

Responding to the initiative, Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq lauded the ministry’s readiness to strengthen education, research, and innovation dimensions.

Academic support can accelerate improvements in national waste management, especially in raising public awareness, strengthening regional government capacity, and optimizing waste processing facilities.