Amid growing global concern over the environmental crisis, particularly plastic pollution, the subsidiaries of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk. (Astra Agro) in Kalimantan demonstrate that solutions can emerge from simple places, such as schoolyards, used bottles, and the eager hands of students.
Inspiring initiatives are emerging from various regions in Kalimantan, all sharing a common goal: to cultivate environmental awareness from an early age and to turn waste into a source of life rather than a problem.
Three Astra Agro subsidiaries in East Kalimantan, PT Sumber Kharisma Persada (SKP), PT Cipta Narada Lestari (CNL), and PT Karyanusa Ekadaya (KED) are collaborating with their partnered schools to foster environmental consciousness.
Under the theme “Stop Plastic Pollution,” this commemoration serves as a platform to strengthen the collective commitment of the government, businesses, and the community towards environmental conservation. The event not only showcased various policies but also featured environmental competitions, waste management education, and the signing of a waste commitment declaration at the community level.
A highlight of this achievement was when Kharisma Persada Elementary School, Astra Agro Lestari Elementary School, and Karya Nusa Lestari Middle School received the Adiwiyata School title at the regency level during the 2025 World Environment Day celebration in East Kutai.
Poniso Suryo Renggono, Assistant for Government and Social Welfare, attending on behalf of the Regent of East Kutai, expressed pride in the contributions made by all parties involved, particularly the Astra Agro entities in Kalimantan, which supported the local government in promoting environmental sustainability. “Government support is not only reflected in policy but also realized through concrete joint action. Our collective awareness is the foundation for protecting our environment,” he said enthusiastically.
For Astra Agro, the Adiwiyata title symbolizes the belief that big dreams can stem from small habits. The company aims to educate children not only to be intelligent but also to develop character, compassion, and responsibility toward the environment. “This is an identity we will continue to uphold,” stated the school principal, Furwandi, with great pride.
The achievements of these schools were bolstered by the significant support of PT SKP, PT CNL, and PT KED, all of which align with the implementation of the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry Circular Letter Number 5 of 2025 regarding the reduction of plastic pollution.
However, this success did not happen overnight. It required the hard work of teachers patiently instructing students on waste sorting, the joyful participation of students planting trees in the schoolyard, and the involvement of parents in protecting the environment around their homes.
For children, the concept of protecting the Earth has become an everyday routine: bringing reusable water bottles, collecting plastic for recycling, growing vegetables in recycled pots, and maintaining cleanliness in classrooms and schoolyards.
A similar commitment is also evident at PT Subur Agro Makmur (PT SAM), a subsidiary of AAL in South Kalimantan, which launched the innovative program “Transforming Plastic Waste into Hydroponics.” In collaboration with the State Kindergarten Pembina Daha Selatan, this program not only supports the Healthy School Competition but also teaches students, teachers, and parents about transforming waste into valuable resources.
Through this initiative, used plastic bottles are converted into hydroponic systems that produce fresh vegetables. Children learn that the waste they generate can become a “home” for beneficial plants.
The community has warmly embraced this initiative. “This is not just a project; it’s an investment in the future,” stated Yeni Kusuma Ahmad Yani, Head of the PKK of Daha Selatan District.
PT SAM has also taken an active role in mentoring, assisting with waste sorting, designing hydroponic installations, and engaging with students and parents. This effort transforms the school into not just an educational institution but also a small laboratory for environmental creativity.
The dedication of Astra Agro’s subsidiaries to plastic waste management in Kalimantan illustrates that significant change can begin with small, consistent actions. By engaging schools, communities, and the government, these initiatives not only help reduce waste but also foster an environmentally conscious mindset in the younger generation.
Astra Agro is committed to sustainable waste management, as demonstrated through various programs and activities aimed at reducing the environmental impact of waste, while also involving the community in 5R-based waste management practices (reduce, reuse, recycle, refine, and repair). Additionally, Astra Agro frequently participates in environmental development programs and educates the community about waste management.
