Enviro News Asia, Bekasi —The Environmental Science Program of Universitas Indonesia carried out a community education and empowerment initiative on biofertilizer production for residents of Bojong Menteng, Rawalumbu District, Bekasi City, West Java, on Sunday, 2 October 2025. The activity responded to the growing waste-management challenges in Bekasi, where domestic waste continues to rise in line with rapid population growth.
The program introduced the concept of urban farming, which utilizes limited urban land through agricultural activities that rely on local resources, services, and community participation. The team emphasized that urban farming can serve as an effective approach to address land constraints in densely populated areas.
The initiative focused on the development and application of eco-enzyme biofertilizer made from domestic organic waste. Organizers aimed to equip residents with practical skills to process household waste into eco-enzymes that can improve soil productivity while reducing waste volumes sent to disposal sites.
Program leader Evi Frimawaty explained that the training provided knowledge on transforming domestic waste into eco-enzymes suitable for agricultural use. She added that the program could guide government units and local agencies in optimizing domestic waste management.
The activity involved collaboration with the Alamanda Waste Bank, which actively produces eco-enzymes in Bekasi. Representatives Emylia Kristini and Sulastri served as resource persons, highlighting both the agricultural benefits and the social value of eco-enzyme production. Emylia noted that households could reduce spending on cleaning products by utilizing eco-enzymes made from fruit waste.
RW 02 Chairperson Dain Santoso welcomed the program, stating that it offered valuable insight for residents regarding organic fertilizers such as eco-enzymes. He expressed hope that the training would encourage families to maximize the potential of household waste.
The innovation promoted through the initiative supports several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Organizers noted that the program has the potential for broader implementation through student involvement and community partnerships.
Universitas Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to community engagement through annual collaborative programs designed to build environmentally conscious communities. The School of Sustainable Development funded the implementation of the activity. (*)
