ITM's principled support towards community and environmental development over the past three years through the "Program Bank Sampah Bunda" has reduced waste by 25.70 tons and 11,630 pieces of trash.
The waste bank program, fostered by PT Kitadin Embalut, won a gold award at the Indonesian Sustainable Goals Award (ISDA) 2019 for the category of "participation in environmentally friendly products and recycling through the empowerment of communities and the environment."
Initially, the Bank Sampah Bunda was founded in 2015 by Yuyun Porwanti, a kindergarten head, in response to the community's concern in Bangun Rejo Village, Kutai Kertanegara about the increasing accumulation of organic and inorganic waste.
Through this waste bank, Yuyun Porwanti aimed to raise community awareness about the importance of a healthy, tidy, and clean environment. Additionally, she wanted to enlighten people that waste actually has economic value.
Managed by homemakers, this waste bank operates much like a conventional bank. Customers deposit their waste, which is then weighed and valued in rupiah. Subsequently, customers receive a savings book reflecting the valued amount in rupiah. This savings can be withdrawn in cash around festive seasons or the start of a new school year.
PT Kitadin Embalut has provided assistance since 2016 in the form of comparative studies, training, and equipment for the managers of Bank Sampah Bunda.
Currently, there are 415 customers, mostly mothers and school students, with a total waste reduction impact of 25.70 tons and 11,630 other pieces of waste.
PT Kitadin Management and CD Department Team at the Waste Bank Bunda: A synergy has been developed between the company and the community to enhance environmental quality.
Bank Sampah Bunda has received numerous awards at district and provincial levels and has encouraged the establishment of waste banks in three other villages.
Based on these achievements, the jury deemed PT Kitadin Embalut deserving of this year's gold award for ISDA.
The ISDA 2019 award was received by the Head of Health, Safety Environment, and Community Development, Puji Rahadin, on September 6 at Balai Kartini, Jakarta.
ISDA is organized by the Corporate Forum for Community Development annually in collaboration with the National Standardization Agency and is presented to companies and individuals who have contributed to the implementation of ISO 2600 for sustainable development.
A total of 66 companies participating in this year's ISDA submitted 153 programs across 13 individual categories.
