Plastic waste remains a problem that has not been effectively resolved. Out of the 33 million tons of waste generated in Indonesia each year, only three percent is properly managed. The rest is disposed of in final disposal sites (TPAs), which ultimately create unresolved problems. In Bogor alone, there is 553 tons of waste generated daily, with 459 tons being directly disposed of in TPAs. The management of plastic waste is also inadequate.

To address this issue, the Bogor City Government, together with WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) and Rekam Nusantara, collaborated to establish an Integrated Waste Management Facility (TPS3R) in the Mekarwangi area of Tanah Sareal sub-district, Bogor City. The groundbreaking ceremony for the facility took place on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

Een Irawan Putra, the Secretary of the Ciliwung Naturalization Task Force of Bogor City, stated that the construction of the TPS3R is an implementation of the Plastic Smart Cities (PSC) program. Bogor became the first city in Indonesia to declare its participation in the PSC program in August last year. The global movement initiated by WWF aims to reduce plastic waste disposed of in TPAs by 30 percent by 2025.

"We have had several lengthy discussions with the Mayor, the Environmental Agency, the sub-district head, the village head, and other relevant parties to improve the assets of Bogor City, which cover an area of approximately six thousand square meters. The construction of the TPS3R is expected to be an attractive place. Besides being a waste management facility, it will also serve as an educational site," said Een.

In addition to the organic and plastic waste management facilities, a park will also be built at the location. To support the park, recycled plastic waste will be utilized. For example, paving blocks, chairs, and tables, all made from recycled plastic waste from the Mekarwangi TPS3R. The operation of the TPS3R will also be equipped with facilities for recycling plastic waste.

Furthermore, Een mentioned that the Bogor City Government is committed to low-emission development. He stated that if the city can manage waste properly, it will contribute to emission reduction.

"If we can improve waste management, especially organic waste, it would already make a significant impact in reducing emissions in Bogor City. The methane gas produced from two million tons of food waste is equivalent to the emissions produced by motor vehicles in a year," he emphasized.

With the establishment of the Mekarwangi TPS3R, Een hopes it will serve as a better solution for managing plastic waste. The authorities will also continue to campaign and raise awareness among the public regarding proper waste sorting.

"If this can be achieved, it can become a good model for waste management. Our Ciliwung Task Force has been studying the characteristics of residents and waste management practices in Bogor City. The PSC program aims to support proper plastic waste management," he added.

This year, WWF allocated a budget of IDR 1.9 billion to support the PSC program in Bogor City. This funding, in addition to building the Mekarwangi TPS3R, will also be used to revitalize three other TPS3Rs in Bantar Kemang, Ciparigi, and Cibadak. Moreover, another TPS3R location will be built in Warung Jambu. The land, covering an area of 300 square meters, has been prepared by the Perumda Pasar Pakuan Jaya of Bogor City. The target of the PSC program in Bogor City is to reduce plastic waste entering TPAs by 1,200 tons per year.

"We will study the amount of waste, the issues on the ground, and so on. These waste materials, once sorted, can be used by those who have been managing waste and have economic value. I think the target can be achieved if everyone is willing to be open and coordinate well," Een stated.

Aditya Bayunanda, CEO of WWF Indonesia, expressed the organization's honor in assisting the Bogor City Government in tackling plastic waste. He mentioned that Bogor City has shown a high commitment to reducing plastic waste by promoting the concept of a green economy.

"Our contribution is small compared to the efforts of the entire community in trying to solve this problem. With the construction of the TPS3R, valuable plastic waste can be utilized, while previously less valuable waste can be used as raw materials for bricks and other purposes. The waste residue can be processed in incinerators," he said.

Aditya explained that the construction of the Mekarwangi TPS3R represents WWF's support to the Bogor City Government in achieving success in the Plastic Smart Cities program. He emphasized that success requires collaborative efforts.

"Plastic waste is our common problem. It is not only an environmental issue but also a health problem. What is being built here will hopefully be a solution for tackling plastic waste and also bring economic benefits to the local community. This plastic waste problem can be turned into an opportunity," he added.

The Mekarwangi TPS3R is expected to process 1,200 tons of plastic waste per year. Consequently, it is hoped that the accumulation of plastic waste in TPAs will decrease. Aditya also hopes that the collaboration between WWF and the Bogor City Government can inspire other regions to do the same.

"Hopefully, this will not stop here, but we will continue with similar programs in the future," he said.

Bima Arya Sugiarto, the Mayor of Bogor, stated that the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the TPS3R marked the beginning of a collaborative effort between the Bogor City Government and WWF to implement integrated waste management.

"The TPS3R will be built here to manage plastic waste and residues, which will eventually have economic value. We hope this will be an example of a green economy that will provide economic benefits to the local community," said Mayor Bima Arya Sugiarto.

Furthermore, Bima explained that the TPS3R being constructed will become a center for integrated waste management. The park and lake surrounding the area will also be improved, making it a place for educational tourism related to proper waste management.

"The most important thing here is the collaborative trial. The development budget comes from the Bogor City Government's budget, supplemented by assistance from WWF. With the support of the existing community, we hope this can be a model for green economy and proper plastic waste management. This is a manifestation of Bogor's commitment to the Plastic Smart Cities program," he concluded.

To overcome the issue...