Indonesian University Turns Landfill into Thriving Circular Economy Hub

A former waste disposal site in Tangerang, Indonesia, has been revitalized by YARSI University into a thriving circular economy ecosystem. The 500-square-meter public facility land, previously neglected and used as a garbage dump, now serves as a productive space combining environmental management, waste collector empowerment, and economic development.

Dr. Juniarti, a lecturer at YARSI University's Faculty of Medicine and a professor in the Biomedical Science Master's Program, explained that the transformation began with landscaping and the installation of basic infrastructure, including herbal plants. "Limited land is not just for green space, but also for learning, community empowerment, and environment-based economic development," she stated.

A core activity involves processing plant waste from the area into organic fertilizer. Waste collectors are involved in collecting organic materials and managing the composting process. Plant cuttings are shredded, fermented in 200-liter drums with EM4 solution for about a month, yielding liquid organic fertilizer (POC). The solid residue is further processed with burnt husks, fermented animal manure, and dolomite to balance pH. The finished compost is packaged for sale, while the POC is used to nourish the garden plants after a 20-fold dilution.

“

Limited land is not just for green space, but also for learning, community empowerment, and environment-based economic development.

The university also utilizes fruit peels, fermenting them into eco-enzymes using a mixture of fruit peels, molasses, and water in a 3:1:10 ratio. After a three-month fermentation, the eco-enzymes are filtered and processed into derivative products like hand soap and floor cleaner. These products, along with the compost, POC, medicinal plants, and ornamental plants from the garden, are being marketed through events like Bazar Merdeka. Future marketing plans include utilizing social media and the upcoming YARSI University Herbal Research Center website.

The circular economy concept extends to other elements within the revitalized space. A tilapia pond is being integrated with a hydroponic system, currently in the seedling stage. Additionally, the garden's irrigation system is being developed using Internet of Things (IoT) technology. This community service program, supported by grants from Kemdiktisaintek and the YARSI Foundation, builds upon previous land-use empowerment initiatives.

“

From this process, liquid organic fertilizer (POC) is produced which can be harvested through the bottom tap. The solid material is then further processed with the addition of burnt husks, fermented animal manure, and dolomite to help balance the pH.