The Korindo Foundation and Forest For Life Indonesia Foundation (FFLI), together with the Public Works and Housing Ministry of Indonesia, launched the facility on Wednesday (Feb 1). With the stakeholders attending, the ceremony served to introduce black soldier fly-based bioconversion technology, which is expected to resolve waste management challenges at other rest stops and public establishments.

Made under the partnership of Korindo Foundation and FFLI Foundation, the plant can handle up to 1 ton of living waste per day. Cibubur Rest Area was picked as the project location, given its position as a waste source that needs urgent solutions. This conversion technique is also applicable to different types of waste sources like traditional markets, industrial zones, offices, and residential areas.

"Other than being environmentally beneficial, this facility can offer new economic opportunities. Profits gained from this project will be channeled into community and environmental empowerment programs," explained Robert Seung, chairman of Korindo Foundation. He wished the plant would reach the success of its predecessor, a similar plant with a 4 ton per day waste processing capacity in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

That project was funded by the Korindo Foundation in 2017, with the FFLI teaming up with the local government to monitor its operation until today, one of Lombok's waste disposal prototypes. "These facilities won't be able to run properly without our collaboration with FFLI and support from the local government. That being the case, from the depths of our hearts, we want to thank all parties for the great teamwork," Robert said.

He went on to say that through the Foundation, businesses under Korindo Group had truly participated in efforts to bring back the balance in Indonesia's natural environment."Korindo Foundation has directly taken part in environmental preservation projects like Pakansari and Pondok Rajeg city forests and conservation activities in Papua. Through these breakthroughs, we strive to contribute to the local community and the environment,"

Head of FFLI Dr. Hadi Pasaribu said the plant did not only create a clean, healthy environment to be in and work out waste issues right at its source; it also provided protein, fat, and chitin, restored soil fertility, and played a role in mitigating climate change effects. "The more bioconversion plants we build, the bigger the benefits will be for our environment," he said.

Black soldier flies enthusiast Prof. Agus Pakpahan shared a similar sentiment. He pushed for additional bioconversion plants to be built, so waste wouldn't have to be brought into the landfill. This approach established a clean and healthy environment, provided benefits for nature, and created a circular economy.

Pakpahan revealed that around 60%-70% of landfill waste was organic, meaning that settling the issue upstream would simplify the entire waste management process.

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