Plastic waste has become a global issue that is receiving serious attention from many countries today. As a material that takes a long time to decompose, plastic products will continue to exist and accumulate in the world for a long time.
As a form of support and commitment to the "Indonesia Free from Plastic Waste 2025" campaign and the sustainable development program, Perum Jamkrindo initiated green lifestyle education activities in schools in Sukabumi, West Java, specifically in 8 districts that are part of the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark.
The President Director of Perum Jamkrindo, Randi Anto, said that on Friday, February 14, 2020, as part of the company’s activities, 22 certified student interns (PMMB) were deployed to conduct educational outreach in schools. The goal of this education was to increase awareness about environmental love, the importance of reducing single-use plastic packaging, and recycling plastic waste. "This social activity is one of the company’s efforts to contribute to improving the quality of human resources in Indonesia," said Randi.
Randi revealed that the PMMB goes to Ciletuh activity is part of Jamkrindo’s 50th Anniversary celebration with the theme "To Continue Contributing to the Nation," continuing the community empowerment program based on the anti-plastic waste campaign at Ciletuh Geopark. "The sustainable Ciletuh program is our commitment to continue contributing to the nation," he said.
In addition to providing education, PMMB participants also carried out social activities such as area beautification, school building painting, and providing additional reading material to students. This activity is a continuation of previous efforts, such as reforestation at Palampang Beach, plastic waste education at tourist sites and around the local MSME centers, as well as the provision of trash bins and educational boards about the dangers of plastic waste.
"We have carried out various community empowerment activities in different regions, even in remote areas outside Java. As a form of our participation in the efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we are intensively carrying out activities in Ciletuh Geopark," said Randi.
Meanwhile, Jamkrindo's Director of HR, General Affairs, and Compliance, Sulis Usdoko, added that involving PMMB participants aims to equip them with emotional and social skills. He said that the PMMB program is not just about giving young talents the opportunity to experience the workforce, but more importantly, it is about preparing the next generation to be sensitive to social issues, so they can become leaders who make significant impacts on the growth and equitable distribution of the economy in line with Jamkrindo's vision. "We are preparing them to be future leaders with the agility to become game changers," said Sulis.
The Head of Jamkrindo’s Anniversary, Aribowo, said that this activity is part of the Jamkrindo Anniversary program, which includes several initiatives: Jamkrindo Cares for Education, Jamkrindo Cares for Health, and Jamkrindo Cares for Social Issues. Various activities have been carried out since the beginning of the year and will continue until July. "This event is one of many activities we will present in the future, such as free homecoming trips, scholarships, community empowerment, and other positive initiatives," he said.
Jamkrindo's anti-plastic waste campaign in the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark is a follow-up to a partnership agreement with the Sukabumi Regency Government to help improve the community's economy. Through activities starting with raising awareness about the need to address plastic waste, the local economy can improve. This is because a plastic waste-free tourist area will add value, making it a new destination in the Sukabumi Regency area.
After starting at Palangpang Beach, Ciwaru Village, the anti-plastic waste campaign will continue to 7 other districts in Sukabumi Regency, which are part of the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark. The collaborative activities in the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark area will be carried out over the next three years.