Prevented Ocean Plastic™ Southeast Asia Inaugurate New Recycling Facility in Samarinda
On September 26, 2024, Prevented Ocean Plastic™ Southeast Asia (POPSEA) and Aqua opened a new plastic recycling center in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. This center will collect and sort 9,600tons of PET plastic each year, helping improve recycling in the area.
In 2022, East Kalimantan generated over 791,000 tons of waste, with homes responsible for about 56%. Food waste made up over half, and plastics accounted for nearly 20%. Rapid population growth and the development of the new capital city are making the waste problem worse.
The new center will collect plastic waste from different places, including coastal areas, to reduce landfill overflow and pollution. Rosa Vivien Ratnawati said this partnership will support the government’s goal to cut waste from plastic, paper, glass, and aluminum by 30% by 2029.
Karyanto Wibowo noted that the Aggregation Center symbolizes AQUA’s tangible steps toward environmental sustainability. “This collaboration will assist the Indonesian government in tackling waste issues while maximizing our contributions to the national waste reduction strategy,” he explained.
A Model for Economic Growth
Murboyudo Joyosuyono from the Ministry of Industry highlighted the collaborative effort as a model for other industry players. He expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s potential to enhance economic value for local communities while supporting effective waste management.
As reported, East Kalimantan faces significant challenges, with only 67% of waste being effectively managed, leading to over 6.5 cubic meters of waste entering landfills daily.
Impact and Future Goals
Since its inception, Prevented Ocean Plastic™ Southeast Asia has collected over 12,000 metric tons of plastic waste, providing certified, premium-quality recycled plastic to the global market. Daniel Lawrence Angelo remarked on the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Samarinda Aggregation Center is a critical milestone in our fight against plastic waste and is expected to create job opportunities that enhance local livelihoods.”
With the inauguration of this facility, which is the ninth of its kind in Indonesia, the collaboration aims to foster a circular economy in East Kalimantan and beyond. Sahid Arifin, Site Manager of the Aggregation Center, expressed optimism about the center’s impact on the community, noting, “We are committed to transforming waste challenges into opportunities for improved welfare in East Kalimantan.”
Prevented Ocean Plastic™ Southeast Asia and Aqua’s collaboration through the Samarinda Aggregation Center exemplifies a proactive approach to waste management and sustainability. With strong governmental support and community engagement, this initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on both the environment and local economies, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
