BANGKA -- Waste is no longer merely an environmental concern but also holds economic potential when managed properly. This spirit was at the heart of the launch of the GEMPITA MAS Smart Waste Sorting Village (Smart Waste Sorting and Management Movement) at Terminal Bayangan in Sungailiat, Bangka Regency, on Wednesday (November 4, 2026).
Through collaboration with the Bangka Regency Government and local communities, PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk is encouraging waste management practices that begin at the household level. This initiative aims to establish waste sorting habits, raise public awareness, and create a cleaner and healthier environment.
As a concrete demonstration of its commitment, PT TIMAH provided Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) assistance to Neighborhood Unit (RT) 004 in the Cokro neighborhood of Sungailiat in the form of waste management equipment. The assistance included waste sorting drop boxes, aerobic composters, bottle and can presses, and display stands for the presses and waste sorting drop boxes.
Beyond residential neighborhoods, PT TIMAH is also strengthening its collaboration with community groups by providing CSR assistance to the Rumah Kompos Matras Community Self-Help Group (KSM) to support waste management programs through the SI-KOMPOS innovation.
Dian Firmandi, Expert Staff to the Regent of Bangka for Economic Affairs, stated that GEMPITA MAS represents a collaborative effort to address waste management challenges in Bangka Regency, particularly by reducing waste at its source.
He encouraged residents to develop the habit of sorting waste at home, managing organic waste through simple methods, and channeling recyclable inorganic waste with economic value through the Sedekah Sampah (Waste Donation) program and other recycling networks.
"The Bangka Regency Government hopes this movement will continue to grow, provide tangible benefits to the community, and become part of our efforts to create a cleaner and healthier environment," he said.
Boy Yandra, Head of the Bangka Regency Environmental Agency, explained that GEMPITA MAS encourages residents to adopt the principles of sorting, processing, and selling waste as part of sustainable waste management.
He expressed appreciation for PT TIMAH's support in providing waste management facilities for local communities. According to him, community participation in sorting and processing household waste is an essential step toward reducing the volume of waste sent to final disposal facilities.
"We hope this program will not simply be a ceremonial initiative but will continue sustainably and expand to other areas throughout Bangka Regency," he said.
Rizal, Head of Neighborhood Unit (RT) 004 in the Cokro neighborhood, explained that waste management efforts have traditionally focused on cleanup activities after waste has already polluted the environment. However, he emphasized that waste problems must be addressed at their source.
According to Rizal, communities need greater awareness, adequate facilities, and effective management systems to encourage residents to sort and process waste directly from their homes.
"We hope this movement will not only begin here but also serve as a turning point in addressing waste problems at their source. We need to change the way people think. It's no longer just about throwing trash in the proper place, but about sorting it, processing it, and turning it into income," he said.
Rizal also expressed his gratitude to PT TIMAH and the Bangka Regency Government for placing their trust in and supporting the residents of RT 004 Cokro in launching the initiative.
He hopes RT 004 will become a model neighborhood for community-based waste management. Residents will be encouraged to transform various types of waste, such as plastic bags and bottle caps, into creative products with practical and economic value.
M. Ihsan, Division Head of Engineering at PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk, stated that the company welcomes the initiative launched by the Bangka Regency Environmental Agency in collaboration with local communities.
According to him, successful waste management requires strong collaboration and direct community involvement. PT TIMAH remains committed to supporting initiatives that benefit the environment and communities surrounding its operational areas.
He highlighted the Sedekah Sampah program, which has been implemented at Al-Husna Mosque in Kampung Jawa, Sidodadi neighborhood, Sungailiat. Through this program, waste collected by residents generates social benefits, including scholarships for approximately 20 children.
"This demonstrates that waste management can deliver broader benefits. We hope programs like this will continue to develop. PT TIMAH is even planning to donate recyclable waste collected from our offices to support the Sedekah Sampah program at Al-Husna Mosque," he said during his remarks.
Through this initiative, PT TIMAH hopes to foster a collective awareness that environmental protection can begin with simple actions in every household. By properly sorting and managing waste, communities can not only create a cleaner environment but also unlock economic opportunities and generate social benefits for others. (*)
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