- Universities back the government on waste management by contributing academic expertise, research, and on-ground implementation support.
- Students gain practical skills through hands-on programs that focus on waste sorting, recycling, and community engagement.
- Campuses act as innovation hubs for sustainability by developing and testing scalable waste management models for local governments.
Universities across Indonesia are ready to play a larger role in tackling the country’s waste management challenges, with a strong focus on education, skills, and community impact. Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto said universities are prepared to actively support the government, especially by strengthening waste governance at the local level.
The minister noted that Indonesia’s campuses have vast student and faculty resources that can be mobilized for long-term solutions. Student involvement will be expanded through structured academic programs designed to deliver sustainable outcomes rather than short-term interventions. Initial efforts will include pilot projects in several cities, developed in close collaboration with local universities.
Students will take part through thematic community service programs and engagement initiatives. These activities will focus on waste sorting education, organic waste processing, and building community-based monitoring systems. The goal is to equip students with practical skills while raising public awareness at the grassroots level.
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The ministry is also pushing to scale up the Campus Zero Waste initiative. Under this program, universities are expected not only to manage their own waste but also to serve as centers of innovation and best practices for local governments. More than 100 campuses already run independent waste management systems, and this number is expected to grow.
Scientific support from universities includes composting, biodigesters, recycled material engineering, and waste-to-energy technologies. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq welcomed the initiative, saying academic involvement can strengthen skills, improve regional capacity, and accelerate national waste management reforms.
