| UNAIR NEWS 鈥 Waste management plays a crucial role in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions while addressing the growing limitations of landfill capacity. In response to this challenge, the Sustainable Community Service Institute of 东京热 (LPMB UNAIR), in collaboration with the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), holds an international conference titled Waste to Wealth on Saturday (April 25, 2026). The conference takes place online via Zoom Meeting. |
The international conference explores strategies for addressing urban waste challenges through cross-sector collaboration. This initiative adopts a hexa-helix approach that brings together universities, government institutions, non-governmental organizations, industry, communities, and the media. The event attracts delegates from several countries.
Platform for synergistic dialogue
In his remarks, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development (RICD) Prof Muhammad Miftahussurur dr MKes SpPD KGEH PhD FINASIM, emphasized that the international conference serves as a platform for meaningful discussion. It provides a strategic forum for exchanging knowledge, sharing experiences, and fostering innovative solutions to address global challenges, particularly in waste management and environmental sustainability.
He highlighted that global waste generation currently exceeds billions of tons annually and continues to rise alongside rapid population growth and urbanization. Increasing consumption patterns, particularly in urban areas, have contributed significantly to the growing volume of waste, especially organic waste.
鈥淚n Indonesia, this challenge has become increasingly evident due to the limited capacity of landfill sites. Many landfills are approaching their maximum capacity, reducing waste at its source has become an urgent necessity,鈥 he explained.
Practical solutions for waste management
Furthermore, he emphasized that this situation is not unique to Indonesia. Many cities around the world face similar constraints, with limited land availability posing a major challenge to modern waste management systems.
鈥淢oreover, inadequate waste management contributes to environmental pollution and climate change. The waste sector is a significant source of methane emissions, one of the most important greenhouse gases. In addition, leachate generated from accumulated waste can contaminate water bodies and pose serious risks to public health,鈥 he added.
According to him, addressing these challenges requires a more comprehensive and sustainable approach. One increasingly relevant solution is source-based waste management through a circular economy approach. This approach emphasizes waste reduction, material reuse, and resource recycling to create a more sustainable and efficient system.
The 鈥淢anaging the World鈥檚 Waste鈥 concept, which serves as the theme of the conference, encourages a shift in perspective by viewing waste not as a burden, but as a resource with economic potential. Through appropriate innovations, waste can be transformed into energy, industrial inputs, materials, and other value-added products.
鈥淭hrough this conference, I invite all participants not only to engage in meaningful discussions, but also to commit to implementing practical and impactful solutions. Strong and sustained collaboration will be essential to building a waste management system that is both environmentally sustainable and economically viable,鈥 he concluded.
Author: Putri Andini
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
