Prabumulih, July 7, 2026 — The potential of pineapple leaf waste as a new economic resource presents an important opportunity to promote circular economy practices at the local level. As pineapple production in Indonesia continues to grow, pineapple leaf waste, which has not yet been optimally utilized, can be processed into economically valuable fiber, including for the development of creative products, textiles, and crafts made from natural materials.

However, the development of MSMEs processing pineapple leaf fiber still faces a number of challenges, ranging from relatively small production scale, limited human resource capacity, suboptimal access to financing, and inconsistently organized raw material supply chains, to the need to strengthen product image in order to achieve higher market value.

Responding to these conditions, the Center for Sustainability and Waste Management Universitas Indonesia (CSWM UI), in collaboration with Bank Indonesia, is carrying out an assistance program to support the development of circular MSMEs based on pineapple leaf fiber in Prabumulih. This program aims to help local MSMEs better understand the business potential of pineapple leaf waste, strengthen their institutional and operational capacity, and develop a more sustainable business model that can be replicated in other regions.

The series of activities began with field visits to map the potential, needs, and challenges faced by local MSME actors. Through this process, CSWM UI and Bank Indonesia, together with relevant stakeholders, sought to identify existing conditions, production capacity, product development opportunities, and the types of support needed to help pineapple leaf fiber MSMEs grow in a more structured and targeted manner.

In addition to potential mapping, the assistance program was also carried out through various capacity building activities with local MSMEs. These activities included strengthening capacity in marketing, business governance, and operations, enabling MSME actors not only to improve product quality, but also to strengthen business management, record-keeping, market strategies, and readiness to collaborate with external partners.

As a further stage, the program also includes a piloting phase for the development of a more sustainable business model. One of the main focuses of this phase is to open collaboration opportunities through business matchmaking with local banking institutions, allowing pineapple leaf fiber-based MSMEs in Prabumulih to gain broader access to networks, assistance, and financing opportunities.

Through this initiative, local MSMEs are expected to move to the next level with a business model that not only focuses on increasing economic value, but also supports waste reduction, the utilization of local resources, and the strengthening of community-based economic development. This assistance program is also part of an effort to improve the competitiveness of pineapple leaf fiber-based products in terms of quality, sustainability, and market positioning.

The results of this series of assistance activities will later be compiled into a business model book for circular MSMEs based on pineapple leaf fiber. The book is expected to serve as a reference for stakeholders in developing, strengthening, and replicating green business models based on local potential in various regions.

Through this collaboration, CSWM UI and Bank Indonesia hope that the development of circular MSMEs based on pineapple leaf fiber in Prabumulih can become a concrete example of how agricultural waste can be transformed into new economic opportunities. The program is also expected to strengthen collaboration among academia, MSME actors, local government, communities, and financial institutions in building a green business ecosystem that is inclusive, productive, and sustainable.

Depok, 7 May 2026 — Prof. Dr. Ir. Mochamad Chalid, S.Si., M.Sc.Eng., through the Center for Sustainability and Waste Management Universitas Indonesia (CSWM UI), initiated the Merdeka Sampah: Institutional Transformation Towards Zero Waste in Educational Institutions program under the World Class University (WCU) grant, aimed at advancing waste management in schools and campuses towards zero waste. In its implementation, the program collaborates with CSWM UI to develop a zero waste pilot model that is systematic, educational, and sustainable.

This initiative is also part of community service within the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Indonesia, demonstrating tangible academic collaboration in fostering behavioral change and an environmental awareness culture through foundational education. Through a series of training sessions and Focus Group Discussions, the program encourages schools and campuses not only to serve as formal learning spaces but also as practical grounds for sustainability.

Organic Day: Practical Training on Organic Waste Management Using Takakura and Eco-Enzyme

The Merdeka Sampah program is conducted in two main sessions. The first session, Organic Day, held on 18 April 2026, focused on practical training for organic waste management using the Takakura method and eco-enzyme. This session involved more than 20 teachers and international students, enhancing hands-on capacity to reduce and manage organic waste within schools, campuses, and homes.

During this session, Adam Febriyanto Nugraha, Ph.D., as part of UI and CSWM UI’s academic team, provided insights on the current challenges of waste generation across educational institutions and communities. He also introduced the concept of the snowball effect as a catalyst for change, illustrating how small changes initiated by individuals, teachers, schools, and communities can grow into broader movements that foster a zero-waste mindset.

FGD on Educational Institution Waste Management Roadmap

The second session was held through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the Waste Management Roadmap for Educational Institutions at Wisma Makara, Universitas Indonesia. This forum provided an initial platform to build collective commitment among Prof. Mochamad Chalid, CSWM UI, representatives of Muhammadiyah educational institutions, international students, and facilitators to formulate structured and actionable waste management strategies.

The Merdeka Sampah program emphasizes seven sustainability aspects: leadership, awareness, facility, regulation, technology, organizing, and financial. This approach highlights that effective waste management in schools and campuses requires not only facilities and technology but also leadership, behavioral change, governance, and collective commitment from all members of the institution.

Teachers as Drivers of Waste Management Culture

“Teachers play a critical role as drivers of education. Through this program, good waste management habits are expected to grow within schools, be implemented at home, and evolve into a shared culture within families and communities,” said Prof. Mochamad Chalid.

Through these activities, each institution is encouraged to identify current conditions, key challenges, improvement opportunities, and realistic priority actions, including waste reduction, waste separation at the source, and organic waste processing. The roadmap developed is intended as an initial guide to strengthen waste management systems, from habit changes and facility enhancement to data system development and the potential creation of environmentally-based educational zones.

This initiative is expected to serve as a model for good waste management practices in educational institutions, which can be replicated across schools, campuses, and other educational sectors. The program also contributes to advancing SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, particularly through the reinforcement of waste governance in educational settings.