News

PTTEP Indonesia and PT INGRAM Working Together to Achieve Sustainable Waste Management in Labuan Bajo

07 Nov 2025

Labuan Bajo, October 25, 2025 — In an effort to build a culture of sustainable environmental stewardship, PTTEP Indonesia, in collaboration with PT. INGRAM (Innovation Community Movement), launched the "Positif Bajo (Innovative Waste Sorting)" program, a creative and educational initiative to strengthen public and student understanding of the importance of waste sorting and the implementation of a circular economy.

Waste Sorting Socialization at the Recycling Center of West Manggarai Regency, aims to instill environmental awareness from an early age through various educational and interactive activities. The community is encouraged to understand the importance of waste management and to implement the 3R behavior (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) both at school and at home. Through hands-on activities, participants are also introduced to the economic value that can be generated from waste, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility and creativity in managing it. In addition, socialization regarding the function and benefits of the Recycling Center (PDU) is also carried out to encourage village community participation in sorting waste at its source, forming a collective movement towards a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Tibortius, a Tricycle Trash Operator, said, "We are very happy with this program. We, the community, especially those at Tricycle, have found it very helpful. We can exchange recyclable waste for eggs, rice, and cooking oil. We are very happy with this program. Thank you," Tibortius said.

The program also features a Recyclable Waste Exchange Bazaar, which allows residents to exchange non-organic waste such as plastic bottles, paper, or metal for basic necessities—from rice, cooking oil, sugar, eggs, to fresh vegetables. This initiative not only promotes environmental cleanliness but also provides direct economic value to residents.

Oma Bekti, Owner of Rumah Bekti MSME, "Myself and the other mothers here really support the Positif Bajo initiative, and our friends from Rumah Bekti MSMEs were given the opportunity to make food that can be exchanged at this activity. We are very happy because it's not just about selling but also about caring for the environment. That's the main thing, and we really support it. Thank you," said Oma Bekti.

Waste sorting education, a key focus in the school environment, was implemented on October 23 - 24, 2025, in collaboration with Pembina Kindergarten, Komodo State Senior High School, and Komodo State Special Needs School. Students were encouraged to understand the waste cycle and how to manage it through engaging learning activities such as simple experiments and environmental campaigns. An engaging educational booth was also provided to strengthen participants' understanding.

With a collaborative spirit, “Positif Bajo (Innovative Waste Sorting and Processing)” is expected to establish a collective movement in maintaining cleanliness and supporting a circular economy, as well as raising awareness that waste is not a problem, but rather an opportunity to create a greener and more sustainable life.