Bekasi, 27 January 2026 — In a strategic move to cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders, 20 scholars from the Eco Pioneer program conducted an immersive industrial visit to the Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) Indonesia plant in Cibitung, Bekasi, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The Eco Pioneer program, a flagship sustainable leadership scholarship initiated by the Center for Sustainability and Waste Management at the University of Indonesia (CSWM UI), is specifically designed to empower students to become catalysts for change. By bridging the gap between academic theory and industrial reality, CSWM UI serves as a strategic link that provides students with direct access to world-class sustainability practices.
The visit offered participants an in-depth understanding of the real-world implementation of circular economy systems on a massive industrial scale. Beyond observing the operational processes firsthand, the activity served as a critical reflective forum for students to analyze the complex challenges of plastic management in Indonesia. The dialogue focused on the essential integration between community involvement, private sector responsibility, and the shaping of effective government policy.
The educational session began with a presentation by I Komang Agus Arisudana, Sustainability Commercial at CCEP Indonesia, who focused on the critical evolution of “green jobs.” He explained that decent employment opportunities contributing to environmental consearvation and restoration are the fundamental pillars of a sustainable future economy. Komang challenged the students to begin building the necessary initiatives and skills to champion these roles as they transition into the workforce.
The narrative of sustainability was further enriched by a presentation from Mahija Parahita Nusantara, a non-profit foundation established in 2020 by CCEP Indonesia and Dynapack Asia. The foundation detailed its dedication to supporting the infrastructure of waste collector communities through an ethical and responsible PET plastic recycling ecosystem. Beryl Masdiary, Head of Communications & Partnership at Mahija, emphasized the importance of improving the welfare, health, and education of those they call “recycling heroes,” urging the younger generation to collaborate on sustainable solutions that respect both the planet and the people who protect it.
As a direct follow-up to this industrial experience, the Eco Pioneer students will now be guided through a transition phase where they transform their social waste management projects into viable, sustainable business models. The practical knowledge gained from CCEP Indonesia and Mahija Parahita Nusantara will serve as a primary reference as students develop and execute waste management action plans within the University of Indonesia area. CSWM UI remains committed to assisting these participants, ensuring that their emerging initiatives provide real solutions for the academic environment while meeting rigorous industry standards and maintaining the resilience needed to become successful green business units in the future.
