Indonesia: Private sector, community efforts turn 8 tons of waste into social good

A unique collaboration in Indonesia is transforming retail waste into tangible social benefits, demonstrating a successful model of the circular economy. J&T Cargo, Decathlon Foundation Indonesia, and Kampus Diakoneia Modern (KDM), working with community waste banks, have managed to process 8.2 tons of operational waste from March to May 2026.

This initiative collects waste from various retail points in Jakarta, which is then transported by J&T Cargo to the KDM Foundation. From there, it is managed through a network of community waste banks. This process not only diverts waste from landfills but also significantly reduces carbon emissions, estimated at 40 tons of CO2 equivalent compared to conventional disposal methods.

The social impact is substantial. The proceeds from managing this waste through the waste banks directly support KDM Foundation's programs. These include providing education for vulnerable children, meeting basic needs, and funding various community empowerment activities. This approach highlights how waste management can become a source of social good.

Fanny, representing Brand & Corporate Culture at J&T Cargo Indonesia, emphasized the broader role of logistics. "This collaboration opens a new perspective for us that logistics is not just about delivering goods, but about how a system can create more meaningful impact," she stated. "Seeing how the waste we help distribute can be managed again through waste banks and then support the children under the care of the KDM Foundation is an important reflection for us to continue delivering more value from every operational process we undertake."

The partnership is hailed as a prime example of multi-stakeholder engagement in circular economy principles. It shows that waste can be a resource, generating both environmental and social value, and that logistics networks can be leveraged for greater societal benefit.

“

This collaboration opens a new perspective for us that logistics is not just about delivering goods, but about how a system can create more meaningful impact. Seeing how the waste we help distribute can be managed again through waste banks and then support the children under the care of the KDM Foundation is an important reflection for us to continue delivering more value from every operational process we undertake.