Wawancara bersama Kabid Pengelolaan Sampah Dinas Lingkungan Hidup Tasikmalaya terkait Bank Sampah

Summary

Iwan Setiawan, Head of Waste Management at the Environmental Agency of Tasikmalaya, discusses the evolution of waste banks in the city. Initially, these initiatives faced setbacks due to a lack of support, but since 2018, with external assistance, active waste banks have thrived. The program encourages community-driven efforts, with mobile waste banks spreading awareness and involvement. Key innovations include the formation of a central waste bank and mobile units to serve various neighborhoods. The initiative promotes waste reduction at the source, fostering economic, health, social, and environmental benefits through consistent participation and improved waste management practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of 'bank sampah' (waste bank) in Kota Tasikmalaya started in 2012 with 20 initial banks, but many struggled due to lack of support and eventually became inactive.
• 😀 In 2018, external support from a German-backed program helped revive 10 of the original waste banks, with direct guidance from the local government.
• 😀 Since 2018, waste banks in the city have grown organically, with the community taking a leading role in establishing and running new banks in various neighborhoods.
• 😀 The operational system of waste banks remains consistent, focusing on reducing household waste at its source, sorting, and managing waste effectively.
• 😀 Awareness campaigns and socialization efforts, particularly with RW leaders, play a crucial role in informing the community about the benefits and operation of waste banks.
• 😀 A mobile waste bank service is being introduced to reach different neighborhoods, allowing easier access for residents to participate in the waste management program.
• 😀 The establishment of an independent waste bank will serve as a hub for training and supporting smaller community-run waste banks in the region.
• 😀 Waste banks offer multiple benefits, including small but cumulative financial returns for participants, a cleaner environment, and improved community interaction.
• 😀 Environmental benefits of waste banks include reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills and promoting recycling and waste reduction at the household level.
• 😀 The city is currently evaluating the performance of its waste banks, assessing factors such as innovation, community participation, and environmental impact to ensure long-term success.

Q & A

What is the origin of the waste bank initiative in Tasikmalaya?

The waste bank initiative in Tasikmalaya began in 2012 with the establishment of 20 waste banks. However, between 2012 and 2018, the initiative faced setbacks due to lack of support from the authorities, leading to some waste banks becoming inactive.

What caused the decline of the initial waste bank initiative?

The decline was primarily due to the lack of guidance and support from the relevant local authorities, which led to many waste banks becoming inactive or dormant.

How did the situation change after 2018?

In 2018, with support from a German-backed initiative, the situation improved. Around 10 of the original 60 waste banks were revitalized and received guidance to continue their operations.

What role does the local government play in the current waste bank operations?

Since 2018, the local government has shifted from directly instructing the creation of waste banks to supporting them through decentralized management, allowing the community to take more initiative and form new waste banks independently.

What is the operational model of the waste banks?

The operational model is consistent across different areas, focusing on waste segregation at the household level. Waste banks help reduce household waste and provide economic benefits for residents by allowing them to recycle and earn from their waste.

What is the mobile waste bank system introduced in Tasikmalaya?

The mobile waste bank system involves a collection service that travels to different neighborhoods on a scheduled basis. This allows residents from various areas to participate in recycling and waste management conveniently.

How has the community been involved in the waste bank initiative?

The local community has been actively involved through socialization campaigns to raise awareness about the waste banks. RW heads, in particular, play an essential role in motivating local residents to participate in the initiative.

What innovations are being introduced in the management of waste banks?

One innovation includes the creation of a central 'Mother Waste Bank' that coordinates activities, along with the mobile waste bank system, which brings waste collection services directly to communities.

What are the expected benefits of the waste bank program?

The waste bank program is expected to bring multiple benefits, including economic rewards for residents, cleaner environments due to waste segregation, improved public health from reduced waste, and stronger social connections within communities.

What criteria are used to assess the effectiveness of the waste banks?

Waste banks are evaluated based on several factors: their activities, innovations, community participation, environmental impact, and how well they empower local communities. The goal of the assessment is to motivate further improvements and recognize well-performing waste banks.