Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), as an active institution in environmental conservation and sustainable development, is intensifying its Zero Waste campaign by implementing independent waste management on campus.

UGM’s waste management efforts include promoting environmental preservation through guidelines for separating waste by type, reducing the use of Styrofoam food containers, encouraging personal tumblers, and motivating the academic community to maintain health through regular exercise.

Nurudin Basyori from the Facilities Maintenance Division, Directorate of Assets at UGM, stated that the university collects about 6-7 cubic meters of waste daily, transported in three trucks. 

“Every day, we transport 6-7 cubic meters of waste,” he said at the UGM Agrotechnology Innovation Center (PIAT UGM) complex in Berbah, Sleman, on Wednesday (Jan. 22).

In line with the rector’s regulation, the waste collected is pre-sorted and placed in designated bins around the campus. 

“We do not collect unsorted waste,” he explained.

However, this directive is not always fully adhered to, as certain areas, such as Jalan Sekip, still mix waste, requiring workers to sort it. 

“Some areas comply, but not all,” he noted.

Although the Asset Directorate’s primary responsibility is waste collection, Basyori emphasizes the importance of sorting waste by type to the cleaning staff. He believes continuous education about waste sorting is essential.

Beyond maintaining campus cleanliness, UGM also engages in waste processing. 

“The sorted waste from faculties is transported to PIAT UGM,” he explained.

The sorted waste is processed at the PIAT UGM complex in Berbah. Organic waste, such as leaves, is turned into compost. 

“The resulting compost is used for gardens around the campus,” he added.

The Zero Waste campaign at UGM aims to reduce daily waste volume while facilitating waste collection and transforming it into something beneficial.

Pipit Noviyanti, who oversees waste processing activities at PIAT UGM, explained that the recycling innovation center processes three categories of waste from the UGM campus: leaf sweepings, branches, and mixed residual waste.

Leaf and branch waste is composted using windrow composting and composting bins. Residual waste undergoes manual sorting and shredding. 

“The organic waste output becomes compost, utilized for PIAT UGM’s internal environment and campus landscaping,” she explained.

There are three outputs for mixed shredded waste: organic pulp for composting, low-value plastics processed by third-party partners into building materials, and non-recyclable residual waste sent for final disposal.

To support waste sorting and processing, Noviyanti emphasized the need for collective responsibility among all stakeholders, including students, staff, and educators. 

“Our hope is for UGM to be free of unsorted waste, where all waste is properly separated by type,” she concluded.

Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel UGM Promotes Zero Waste Campaign through Independent Waste Management pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Their goal is to contribute to solving waste problems both on campus and in the Yogyakarta region.

Yudhistira Wiranusa Sumantri, a student in UGM’s Civil Engineering Program at Vocational College (SV UGM) and the Chair of Lokalogi UGM, shared the journey and vision of this community. 

He mentioned that Lokalogi was born from the UGM’s Scout members’ concern about Yogyakarta’s pressing waste issues, later inspiring them to begin waste management through UGM’s Scout activities. 

After careful planning, Lokalogi was established in 2023 and began its operations focusing on waste management during Scout events. 

“The formation of Lokalogi was driven by the necessity for tangible action against the escalating waste problems,” he said on Thursday, Sep. 5, 2024.

After a year, Lokalogi was officially launched during World Environment Day on Jun. 5, 2024, in an event at Balairung UGM. 

Various parties attended the launch, including UGM’s Directorate of Student Affairs, UGM Residence, student organizations, and other environmental community groups. Sumantri also noted that Lokalogi received substantial support from the university.

In July, Lokalogi began sharing its knowledge through the Event Waste Management (EWM) program, which is designed to assist organizers and participants in sorting and managing waste during events. 

“Before events, we usually conduct training sessions to help people understand how to sort waste correctly,” he said.

Lokalogi also carried out several important activities since its launch. One of their main activities this year has been waste management at major UGM events. 

“We were involved in two major UGM events this year, Pionir and Gelex. For Pionir, we managed waste with around 93 volunteers, and 144 for Gelex,” Sumantri explained.

In managing waste at Gelex, Lokalogi implemented a concept called “reduce waste to landfill,” which significantly reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills. Lokalogi maintains waste sorting points and educates around 10,000 visitors daily. 

The most dominant waste generated consists of plastic food and drink containers, followed by paper waste, both of which are categorized as inorganic waste.

Lokalogi classifies waste into three categories: organic, inorganic, and residual. Organic waste, which includes food scraps and other biological materials, is used as feed for living creatures or processed into compost. 

Inorganic waste, which consists of plastics, paper, and metals, is handed over to recycling partners like Daur.id, Torsi, and Duitin. Residual waste, which cannot be recycled, is collected and managed by third parties such as PIAT.

Sumantri also noted that Lokalogi’s biggest challenge is raising awareness among students and the public about the importance of waste sorting. 

“We still encounter many students who are apathetic to waste management, especially those organizing large events at UGM. Some still leave waste irresponsibly after events, and the organizing committees often lack proper waste management regulations. This is both a challenge and a motivation for us,” he said.

To address these challenges, Lokalogi plans various educational and training initiatives. They intend to conduct more training programs and hold focus group discussions. 

“Our goal is to share knowledge with students and the community about the importance of waste management and to increase their participation,” Sumantri said.

The educational program aims to spread information on properly sorting waste and the environmental impact of good waste management. Through this approach, Lokalogi hopes to enhance awareness and active participation from all community members.

Sumantri and the Lokalogi team have high hopes for this community’s future. They want Lokalogi to be a model and pioneer in waste management. 

“We hope that in the future, every event at UGM will consider waste management as an integral part of event planning,” he added.

The community is determined to continue innovating and improving its waste management practices while influencing positive change around them. 

With support from various parties and growing awareness, Lokalogi is expected to achieve its goals and significantly impact the environment at UGM and Yogyakarta.

Author: Lintang  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang

Artikel UGM Student Community ‘Lokalogi’ Engages in Waste Sorting and Management pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This donation is part of efforts to support waste management on campus. Fendi Maulana, Regional Funding and Retail Transaction Banking Head of BRI Regional Office Yogyakarta, symbolically handed the donation to Dr. Wiratni Budhijanto, Secretary of the UGM Directorate of Partnership and Global Relations. 

The ceremony occurred on Friday (Aug. 30) at the UGM Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM) front hall. UGM’s Director of Community Service, Dr. Rustamadji, and Head of Administration at FEB UGM, Agus Ridwan, witnessed the handover.

FEB UGM is one of the 18 faculties, two schools, and several dormitories at UGM that receive donations for inorganic waste bins. Fendi Maulana explained that the provision of these waste management facilities aims to enhance UGM’s waste management efforts. 

“This initiative not only supports waste management on campus but also aims to educate the public on proper waste management,” he said.

Dr. Wiratni Budhijanto expressed her appreciation for the donation from BRI and hoped that the partnership in waste management at UGM would continue. 

“This donation is not just about physical facilities but also serves as a learning tool for sorting waste,” she added.

Ridwan highlighted that FEB UGM is strongly committed to supporting waste reduction efforts on campus. This commitment has been demonstrated through waste sorting initiatives, tumbler use, and other innovative waste management programs. 

“During our campus orientation at FEB, we encouraged new students to use tumblers and personal food containers as part of our effort to reduce campus waste,” he said.

Ridwan emphasized that BRI’s donation of inorganic waste bins is a positive step in supporting waste management on campus. Placing these bins will help educate the academic community and the public about proper waste disposal and sorting.

Report by: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM Receives Donation of 50 Inorganic Waste Bins pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Nasih Widya Yuwono, a lecturer at the UGM Faculty of Agriculture (Agriculture UGM), has long been developing an innovative method for processing food or organic waste: the stacked bucket method. 

This method uses a stack of two buckets. The top bucket holds the organic waste and features a filter that allows the liquid produced from decomposition (leachate) to drain into the bottom bucket with the help of gravity. 

“The stacked bucket is designed to combine two buckets, one on top of the other. The upper bucket collects organic waste with a filter that allows the decomposition liquid (leachate) to drain into the lower bucket,” Yuwono explained to reporters on Thursday (Aug. 29).

Yuwono has been researching this stacked bucket method since 2000, and the innovation was first introduced on TVRI in 2018.

Despite the long history of research, Yuwono mentioned that the team encountered challenges during development, particularly the issue of foul odors from the leachate. 

This issue arose in 2016 when his students were researching fish waste management. The leachate produced a strong fishy smell that led to complaints. Interestingly, when the leachate was about to be discarded, some samples did not emit a strong odor because they had been sun-dried. 

“It was discovered that the leachate had been sun-dried,” he said.

Before adopting the stacked bucket method, Yuwono and his research team initially used large barrels, but due to their high cost and size, they abandoned the technique in favor of using more affordable and portable buckets. 

“We eventually switched to using buckets because they are cheaper, easier to find, and more practical to transport,” he explained.

Yuwono further elaborated on how the stacked bucket method works by utilizing gravity. The liquid from food waste or fruit decomposition in the upper bucket drains into the lower bucket. 

In addition to managing waste to prevent odors and produce leachate fertilizer, the remaining organic waste in the upper bucket can be further processed with the help of maggots from the Black Soldier Fly (BSF), which accelerates composting and can be used as animal feed. 

“Maggots accelerate the process because their guts contain many microbes and enzymes, similar to worms, which aid in decomposition,” Yuwono explained.

He suggested that the stacked bucket method could be particularly beneficial in rural areas with ample farmland and a high demand for fertilizer. The waste could come from urban areas, creating a symbiotic relationship between urban and rural communities in waste management. 

“Urban waste could be processed in rural areas, and the resulting fertilizer could enrich rural farmland, which in turn could be sold and used in urban areas, fostering a positive cycle in waste management,” he said.

Yuwono also proposed scaling up the stacked bucket idea to larger systems, such as reactors or large tanks. Agriculture UGM is open to collaborations with various parties. 

He also expressed the possibility of UGM partnering with villages to provide training and resources for waste management, with the resulting agricultural products being returned to UGM.

Yuwono hopes that the stacked bucket method, which is easy to obtain and use, can become popular in the community, allowing more people to participate in waste management. 

“The goal is for everyone to understand waste management and how to process it, as it’s affordable. The more people involved, the better,” he concluded.

Author: Leony

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel UGM Lecturer Develops Stacked Bucket Method for Sustainable Organic Waste Processing pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

During the Gelanggang Expo (GELEX) held at the Pancasila Field, waste bins were provided and categorized into organic, recyclable, and residual waste. 

This initiative aims to keep the campus environment clean and healthy and reduce the volume of waste processed by the UGM Center for Agrotechnology Innovation (PIAT) in Berbah, Sleman.

The student community “Peduli Sampah,” also known as Lokalogi, participated in this campaign by emphasizing the importance of waste sorting. 

Their efforts are intended to ease waste collectors’ work and assist in waste processing’s final stage. 

Throughout the event, they provided separate bins for different types of waste disposed of by visitors: organic, recyclable, and residual. 

“The waste here is sorted into three categories: organic, recyclable, and residual,” explained Arya, a student of the Microbiology program in the Faculty of Agriculture, who volunteered for waste sorting activities at Gelanggang Expo on Thursday, Aug. 22.

Arya’s role involved educating GELEX students on correctly disposing of their waste based on its type.

He explained that once sorted, the waste would be utilized as much as possible to reduce the amount of landfill waste. Organic waste, such as food scraps, would be used as feed for maggots. 

“We already have a dedicated partner who will take what we process,” he said.

Specific partners are responsible for collecting plastic bottles, paper, and other recyclable materials. Each partner has its own policies regarding the types of waste it accepts. 

“Residual waste is usually handed over to UGM’s waste management team,” Arya added.

Ilham, a student from the Vocational College who served on the GELEX organizing committee, noted that the waste sorting program aimed to control waste management better. 

“This program makes waste sorting more manageable, and strategically placed bins make it easier for all visitors to dispose of waste properly,” he said.

The waste sorting efforts at Gelanggang Expo are expected to simplify waste management, allowing for a more effective and efficient reduction of unusable waste. 

Through this sorting program, the area where Gelanggang Expo is held can remain pristine and free from environmental pollution caused by waste even after the event.

Author: Hanif  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel UGM Students Encouraged to Sort Waste pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Mexico represented the five countries. 

It aims to showcase the contributions of higher education institutions in supporting green campus programs and achieving sustainable development goals.

Professor Indra Wijaya Kusuma, Head of the Quality Assurance and Reputation Unit (SPMRU) at UGM, stated that the visit was part of the series of activities for “Regional Workshop on UI GreenMetric World University Rankings for Universities in Asia-Pacific.” 

“This visit was to observe best practices in campus management based on applying sustainability values,” Professor Kusuma said.

Professor Kusuma mentioned that the participants were highly impressed with UGM’s waste management activities, particularly plastic waste processing and organic waste management. 

“It turns out that they were impressed because such practices are not as common abroad,” he said.

Professor Kusuma explained that this visit could enhance universities’ commitment to green campus programs and sustainable development goals while boosting universities’ reputations in UI GreenMetric rankings. 

“We want to raise awareness about green campus development. While we have previously only reported on these assessments, we invite them to observe firsthand this time,” Professor Kusuma explained.

A Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Philippines participant, Dino Jose M. Relativo, expressed great interest and admiration for waste management at PIAT UGM. 

“Because UI GreenMetric focuses on waste management. Since waste is a universal problem, it is essential to see how universities contribute to handling waste, especially waste generated in cities,” Relativo explained.

He noted that almost every city in the world faces waste problems, so each university needs to contribute, at least by managing its waste. 

“Starting with our waste. If we can process or manage our waste, we can spread this good news to the community,” Relativo said.

Relativo added that while the Philippines does not face the same waste issues as large cities in Indonesia, he believes this problem will eventually arise. 

“It will happen, and the effect will be the production of waste that we need to reduce. Of course, waste management is one of the solutions,” Relativo said.

Author: Gusti Grehenson

Photographer: Donnie

Post-editor: Lintang 

Artikel Universities Encouraged to Contribute to Waste Management in Large Cities pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The game was created by three students from the 2022 Economics program—Alda Zahra Zhafira, Maudy Nashira Fuadi, and Ayu Lintang Ramadhiani—who collaborated with Nada Avia Edwina from the 2022 Veterinary Technology program and Faturrahman Al Ramadhani from the 2022 Cartography and Remote Sensing program. 

The Ministry of Education funded their project, part of the 2024 Student Creativity Program in Entrepreneurship (PKM-K) at UGM.

Alda Zhafira, the lead developer of Dalang Board, explained that the idea for the educational game stemmed from their concern about the plastic waste problem in Indonesia, including in Yogyakarta. Plastic waste is a critical issue due to its non-biodegradable nature, which poses health and environmental risks if not managed properly. 

“The excessive use of plastic waste results from the lack of public awareness and education about plastic waste. Therefore, we believe that simple education about the non-degradable nature of plastic is necessary for both adults and children,” she said on Tuesday (Jul. 9) at FEB UGM.

Zhafira emphasized that educating children should involve natural approaches, such as through play. By using games containing detailed information and knowledge about waste, it is hoped that children will understand waste’s nature, dangers, and benefits. 

The educational game uses recycled plastic waste to enhance investment value and realistic education regarding plastic waste management. 

“We hope Dalang Board can serve as an innovative tool to raise environmental awareness and waste management among children,” she explained.

Dalang Board is designed as a Monopoly-style game featuring general knowledge about waste, including different types of garbage. It educates about the importance of waste management and is made from recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), supporting environmental sustainability. In contrast, typical board games are made from new plastic materials like polystyrene.

The Dalang Board includes a game board, player tokens, and educational question cards about the environment. The supplementary components are made from eco-friendly materials, including wood and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper. 

Thus, the Dalang Board communicates environmental messages and takes concrete steps to address global issues such as plastic waste.

“Dalang Board also incorporates Augmented Reality (AR) features to enhance interactive and enjoyable learning while supporting waste management efforts,” Zhafira noted.

Maudy Fuadi added that the Dalang Board is an interactive educational tool to increase children’s awareness of plastic waste issues. 

“The educational game is now available on marketplaces like Shopee and Tokopedia and can be ordered through Instagram @pkmk_dalangboard,” she said.

Fuadi also mentioned that one mangrove seedling will be planted for every two Dalang Boards sold. This initiative demonstrates their commitment to environmental conservation.

Reportage: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum

Artikel UGM Students Develop Educational Game for Waste Management pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In the Banjarasri Organic Waste Recycling Center program, students from various study programs collaborated to manage pig farming waste. They include students from Public Management and Policy, Animal Science and Industry, and Electrical Engineering.

Al Haqi Insan Pratama, a student of the Public Management and Policy program, UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM), class of 2022, representing the team, stated that the large number of pigs owned by the Banjarasri community necessitates proper waste management. 

Although the community has already undertaken waste management efforts, they are not optimal.

“Indeed, a lot has been done by the farmers to reduce the environmental pollution produced, but in reality, the management is still not optimal,” said Pratama at the UGM campus on Tuesday (Jul. 2).

Therefore, the Banjarasri Organic Waste Recycling Center program aims to assist the community in managing pig farming waste. 

He mentioned that the program uses sensor and monitoring technology to optimize pig farming waste, uses effective microorganisms and compost banks, and uses the Internet of Things applications.

Pratama emphasized that managing pig farming waste is one solution to reducing waste and minimizing its negative environmental impact. With proper management, the waste can be processed into organic fertilizer that benefits the local community.

“By utilizing the Internet of Things in this program, it is also an effort to introduce technology to the community,” he explained.

The team’s efforts eventually received support and funding from the Ministry of Education. 

“In this team, we are working on managing pig farming waste in Banjarasri Village as a form of service through the Banjarasri Organic Waste Recycling Center: Utilizing Sensoring and Monitoring Technology to Optimize Pig Farming Waste with Effective Microorganism 4,” said Pratama.

Dr. Mohammad Zainal Abidin, a lecturer at the UGM Faculty of Animal Science (Animal Science UGM), supervised the program. He is very grateful that the students approached the community, the Teko Association, and the Banjarasri Village Government in preparing this program.

“They have prepared the program from March to October 2024,” said Dr. Abidin.

Banjarasri Village, Kulon Progo Regency, is about 25 km from downtown Yogyakarta. This village has various potentials, one of which is pig farming.

Data from the Teko Association indicates that all the pig farmers in Banjarasri Village raise around 2,700 pigs, and pig farming is a source of livelihood for the community.

Author: Pamedhar Sekar Utami

Editor: Agung Nugroho

Photo: The PPK Ormawa GAMAPI team

Artikel UGM Students Launch Tech-Powered Pig Waste Recycling Center pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The event, which took place at Wisdom Park and Kopi Lembah, was divided into several sessions and held throughout the day on Friday (Jun. 28). This initiative by UGM Peduli aimed not only to raise awareness on critical issues related to the environment and physical health but also to promote local cultural diversity. 

It provided an open platform for discussions among students, academics, practitioners, and participants to share experiences on challenges in mental health and digital transformation in facing complex social and technological changes.

Dr. Sindung Tjahyadi, Director of Student Affairs, in his opening remarks before the UGM Peduli activities commenced, explained that the theme was chosen as a call to honor nature and preserve local wisdom to support a sustainable future. 

“Regarding the waste issue, our rector has signaled that by Aug. 1, a better waste management scheme must be in place. We must strive to reduce non-reusable and non-recyclable waste, and we have already found methods or solutions,” Dr. Tjahyadi expressed.

He added that one solution to reduce waste accumulation is to promote reusable items instead of disposable ones. 

“Moving forward, we will encourage students to bring their lunch boxes when taking away food from the cafeteria. With UGM having around 50,000 students, it can become an agent of change. If there is a paradigm shift in waste management, I believe the change will be significant,” Dr. Tjahyadi affirmed.

Furthermore, he highlighted UGM’s current concern for mental health, emphasizing their efforts to create a comfortable and refreshing environment like Wisdom Park, where individuals can breathe fresh air to keep their minds fresh. He expressed gratitude to all units and community members who supported the organization of UGM Peduli activities.

Muhammad Fauzan Firdaus, Chair of UGM Peduli, outlined the main activities and divided them into three key points. First, the event addressed environmental issues through a cleanliness drive at Wisdom Park involving participants from diverse backgrounds. Second, UGM Peduli focused on mental health using psychotherapeutic methods through artistic mediums. Third, the event emphasized physical health, aiming to inspire and promote a healthy lifestyle among participants and the general public.

“After the cleanliness drive, there will be a talk show on the theme ‘Revisiting Civilization: Facing Social Changes in Digital Transformation.’ The event will also feature an Art Therapy session by Art Healing Indonesia, aiming to alleviate stress and prepare participants to face risks associated with rapid technological advancements,” Firdaus concluded.

Author: Triya Andriyani

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel UGM’s Commitment to Community: Honoring the Earth, Preserving Culture, Sustaining Civilization pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

With a desire to make a tangible impact, UGM students who are Teladan scholarship recipients and members of the group The Stream Liners successfully conducted a series of activities to raise awareness about sustainable waste management systems at the elementary school level in Yogyakarta. 

This program was held at SDN 1 Jetis, and workshops were conducted from mid-March to April.

Elementary school age was chosen because schools, as miniatures of society, can be a place to instill good practices from an early age, including the habit of sorting and processing waste, which is believed to provide benefits such as fostering environmental awareness and teaching responsibility towards the environment. 

“Our activities included educational sessions on waste sorting and organic waste processing techniques. Participants were given the opportunity to learn directly from experts in waste management and environmental fields,” said Naufal, a member of The Stream Liners, during an interview.

He added that the series of workshop activities also involved several speakers, including the Yogyakarta Environmental Agency (DLH), the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) Yogyakarta, a sustainable waste management application–RAPEL, and a collective group of child education practitioners and activists in Indonesia–Guru Bumi. 

The Stream Liners collaborated with numerous parties to instill the belief that poorly managed waste could negatively impact public health and the environmental ecosystem. Besides causing unpleasant odors, it also poses a risk of various diseases.

“Through this workshop, we discussed and shared knowledge with teachers at the forefront of education on managing waste effectively and sustainably,” added Naufal. 

He hopes that teachers can later educate students through child-friendly educational media so that they understand the importance of proper waste management and can apply this knowledge in their daily lives.

The highlight of the workshop series was held on May 17 to celebrate Earth Day. During this event, Guru Bumi engagingly provided education through various games and interactive activities, resulting in high enthusiasm from the SDN 1 Jetis students towards the waste sorting material. 

“By educating students, one family gets educated. The more students are educated about the environment, the more citizens become aware of the importance of protecting the environment,” concluded Naufal.

Reportage and Photo: Naufal

Author: Triya Andriyani

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