| UNAIR NEWS 鈥 Indonesia鈥檚 waste crisis has become a growing concern for various stakeholders. Academics, researchers, and communities alike are increasingly taking action to manage waste responsibly in support of environmental sustainability. Amid Indonesia鈥檚 growing waste emergency, the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), based at 东京热 (UNAIR), reinforced its international commitment by strengthening global collaboration in Waste-to-Wealth initiatives centered in Sidoarjo Regency, East Java. |
| This proactive initiative received appreciation from the representative of the Regent of Sidoarjo, Dr Moh Bahrul Amig SSos MM., Head of the Sidoarjo Environmental Agency (DLHK). He reaffirmed Sidoarjo鈥檚 commitment to managing 209 Temporary Waste Dump Site sites (TPS) and implementing a sanitary landfill system to support long-term environmental sustainability. |
鈥淲e have always treated household waste management as a serious matter. This collaboration with academics is expected to generate strategic ideas and solutions for the short, medium, and long term to support the sustainability of our environment,鈥 Dr Amig said
Waste-to-wealth innovation and sustainability
Executive Secretary of WUACD, Prof Dr Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih MSi, emphasized the sustainability of the Equity Program, which is implemented in collaboration with the government. The program promotes the Waste-to-Wealth principle by transforming waste into economically valuable products through the application of technology.
鈥淥ur collaboration extends beyond university partnerships. We have expanded our network through a multi-helix approach, enabling cooperation not only between universities and between associations and their member universities, but also among associations themselves. Through this approach, we have also established collaboration with the WASD in the United Kingdom,鈥 she explained.
| The Waste-to-Wealth concept is supported by five aspects of the Waste Management Ladder framework. These components encompass technical, regulatory, institutional, budgeting, and community participation aspects. The latter has also drawn particular attention from the Head of the Sidoarjo Environmental Agency (DLHK), who highlighted community participation as a key factor in ensuring the success of waste management initiatives. |
This local initiative in Sidoarjo embodies WUACD global vision under the leadership of UNAIR Rector Prof Dr Muhammad Madyan SE MSi MFin, and Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Community Development (RICD) Prof M Miftahussurur dr MKes SpPD KGEH PhD. The initiative has fostered extensive international collaboration involving Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Griffith University Australia, and partners from Africa and Pakistan.
WUACD earns international recognition
The dedication and contributions of WUACD have been recognized internationally. In 2024, the association was honored with a prestigious award from the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) at a ceremony held at the United Nations Office in Geneva.
The recognition reflects the association鈥檚 commitment to generating meaningful impact for communities around the world. Concluding her remarks, Prof Dr Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih MSi, expressed hope that the award would motivate all WUACD members to strengthen global collaboration and broaden their contributions to environmental sustainability.
鈥淐ertainly, without the contributions and partnerships of stakeholders, we would not be able to undertake meaningful efforts or deliver a real impact for society, communities and Indonesia as a whole,鈥 she concluded.
Author: Amelia Farah P. I
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
