BANGKA -- Converting organic waste into compost not only helps reduce waste accumulation but also creates opportunities to transform waste into useful products.
To support these efforts, PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk has provided assistance to the Rumah Kompos Matras Community Self-Help Group (KSM) in Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, through its innovative waste management program, SI-KOMPOS.
The assistance was presented during 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).
This support reflects PT TIMAH's commitment to strengthening community-based waste management while encouraging the conversion of organic waste into useful products that can be reused to support greening initiatives.
Established in 2023 with 15 members, KSM Rumah Kompos Matras has gradually developed organic waste processing activities in the surrounding area. The program targets organic waste generated in residential neighborhoods and tourist destinations, particularly around Matahari Asli Beach in Matras Village.
Through the SI-KOMPOS innovation, the group aims to process organic waste, such as dry leaves and other organic materials, into compost. Waste collected by sanitation workers in tourist areas will be sorted and processed through composting.
The resulting compost will then be used to support greening efforts in these tourist areas. Looking ahead, the program is expected to expand its coverage to include organic household waste from communities around Matras.
Teguh Rianda, Chairman of KSM Rumah Kompos Matras, explained that the SI-KOMPOS program has been developed gradually by utilizing the organic waste resources available in the surrounding environment.
According to him, the composting facility's proximity to tourist destinations presents an opportunity to manage organic waste more productively. As a result, waste that would otherwise accumulate can be converted into compost that benefits the environment.
"In tourist areas, we will collect waste gathered by sanitation workers, such as fallen ketapang leaves and other dry leaves. The waste will then be processed into compost, which will be returned to these areas to support greening efforts," he explained.
However, during its operations, KSM Rumah Kompos Matras encountered challenges when its processing equipment broke down, disrupting compost production activities.
Teguh said the group subsequently coordinated with the Environmental Agency and PT TIMAH to find a solution. The company's latest assistance is intended to support repairs to the machinery and supporting facilities at the composting center so that waste processing activities can resume operating optimally.
"PT TIMAH's assistance means a great deal to us. Previously, the machinery used for production broke down, disrupting the composting process. We hope this support will allow production activities to resume and enable the SI-KOMPOS innovation to continue developing," he said.
He added that the collaboration is expected to deliver two key benefits: reducing organic waste while creating productive economic opportunities for community groups.
"We hope this collaboration will not end here. Once the machinery has been repaired and compost production resumes, we hope PT TIMAH will purchase our compost to support the company's greening activities. Moving forward, we also hope to receive further support for developing innovations and other initiatives," he stated.
Meanwhile, M. Ihsan, Division Head of Engineering at PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk, emphasized that waste management is a shared responsibility requiring the involvement of all members of society. These efforts should begin at the grassroots level by encouraging people to sort and process waste at its source.
"PT TIMAH is committed to supporting community initiatives aimed at protecting the environment. We hope our assistance to KSM Rumah Kompos Matras will help restore and optimize organic waste processing activities through SI-KOMPOS, allowing the program to deliver broader benefits to the community," Ihsan said.
He expressed hope that community groups would continue developing waste management innovations that not only improve environmental cleanliness but also create added value and support productive economic activities. (*)
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