PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI) and its associated community group received two awards at the Beritajatim Awards 2024. BSI was honored as the Local Human Resource Development Driver Corporation, and Sundarianto, a member of BSI’s community group, was awarded the Local Hero title for his work in maggot cultivation.
The awards ceremony marked the culmination of Beritajatim.com’s 18th-anniversary celebrations on May 2, 2024, in Surabaya, East Java. That evening, the media outlet, a primary reference for the people of East Java, recognized various inspirational figures, organizations, and corporations driving progress in various social fields.
“I am delighted,” said Sundarianto. “This is my first award, and I am grateful to everyone who has supported me.”
Sundarianto’s efforts began seven years ago when he, unable to tolerate the heaps of garbage around his home, rallied his friends from the Indonesian Youth of Etan Gladak Anyar (PEGA) to address the waste issue. In 2017, he started processing waste and cultivating maggots—black fly larvae used as an alternative animal feed ingredient. In 2019, his efforts received support in terms of tools and equipment from BSI.
Sundarianto’s maggot cultivation venture has since flourished. His waste processing activities expanded into other areas, including the development of solid and liquid organic fertilizers, leading him to frequently tour and promote organic farming.
“Now, many residents invite me to share knowledge about waste management and maggot cultivation,” said Sundarianto. Not confined to Banyuwangi, he has also been invited to Australia for waste management studies. He hopes his win at the Beritajatim Awards 2024 will inspire others to be more environmentally conscious.
“Hopefully, this innovation can improve welfare and enhance our competitiveness in the agricultural sector,” said Emil Dardak, the Deputy Governor of East Java, speaking to BSI during the awards ceremony.
Sundarianto’s affiliated group, PEGA, is nurtured by BSI under the Community Development and Empowerment Program (PPM). Through PPM, BSI aims for sustainable community self-reliance. The collaboration with PEGA greatly aids BSI in managing food waste at the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine. Following the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) principle held by the Merdeka Group, the food waste is repurposed as animal feed and a medium for maggot cultivation.
Like Sundarianto, PEGA activists continue to evolve. Apart from waste processing, they serve as trainers, consultants, and mentors in various waste management programs, including lecturing at universities within and outside Banyuwangi. PEGA was also among the top 10 nominees for the best participants in the Jagoan Tani 2023 event and represented Banyuwangi Regency in the assessment for the Healthy City award in the environmental category.
PEGA’s ongoing development stands as evidence of the success of BSI’s PPM program, reaffirming the importance of fostering partnerships and good relations with the mining community for sustainable community self-reliance.
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Main photo From left to right: Tom Malik (Corporate Communication General Manager PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk), Majid (Community Development PT Bumi Suksesindo), Iwa Mulyawan (Government Affairs Manager PT Bumi Suksesindo), Sundarianto (Local Hero Beritajatim Award 2024), Claudia Cornelia (Representative Media and Stakeholders Relation Officer PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk), and Indriani Siswati (Deputy Head of Corporate Communication).
