KUMALA Foundation Encourages Waste Bank in Muara Bakti Village to Boost Community Economy, Village Head H. Asmawi Welcomes Positively

Public News|August 12, 2025

Aug 12, 2025 - Babelan – Bekasi // The Kreatif Usaha Mandiri Alami Foundation (KUMALA) held a socialization (Kick Off) of the Integrated Waste Management System (SIPANDU) Program and the Capacity Development of the “Muara Bakti Bersih” Waste Bank on Tuesday (12/8/2025), at the Muara Bakti Village Hall, Babelan Subdistrict, Bekasi Regency. 

The event was attended by various stakeholders, including government agencies, companies, and community organizations. Among those present were the Director of Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Development of KLH/BPLH, the Head of the Environmental Generation Development Center of KLH/BPLH, the Head of the West Java Provincial Environmental Service, the Bekasi Regency Bappeda, the Head of the Bekasi Regency Environmental Service, the Babelan Subdistrict Head, the Head of the RW of Muara Bakti Village, the Head of the Karang Taruna Youth Organization of Muara Bakti Village, as well as management representatives from PT Cikarang Listrindo Tbk PLTU Babelan, PT Tesco Indomaritim (Shipyard), PT Interport Mandiri Utama, Mitra Industri MM2100 Foundation, and the MM2100 Industrial Estate management. 

In his remarks, the Village Head of Muara Bakti, H. Asmawi, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration established between the Village Government, PT Cikarang Listrindo Tbk, Karang Taruna Bakti Karya Mandiri, and the Muara Bakti Waste Bank. He emphasized that the success of environmental programs such as SIPANDU depends greatly on the commitment and integrity of the involved parties, especially Karang Taruna. 

“Year by year, step by step, we continue to build. I am very grateful to the Chairman of Karang Taruna who has carried out his mandate and upheld the good name of Muara Bakti Village. This cooperation would not last long if it were not carried out with integrity,” he said. 

H. Asmawi also stressed the importance of consistency in implementing CSR programs in his area. 

“I hope in the future CSR will not be fragmented everywhere. I want Muara Bakti Village to progress, and I do not want any company in this area to be disrupted by irresponsible individuals. Hopefully, the companies here will do the same in supporting the village’s development,” he asserted. 

The SIPANDU program and the strengthening of the “Muara Bakti Bersih” Waste Bank are expected to encourage the community to care more about integrated waste management, create a cleaner environment, and open opportunities for a circular economy for the villagers. 

Meanwhile, Abah Dindin, a representative of the KUMALA Foundation, when asked for his statement, said that the Kreatif Usaha Mandiri Alami Foundation (KUMALA) continues to encourage the development of integrated waste management in Muara Bakti Village. According to him, this is the first step, starting with strengthening the waste bank as an effective waste collection center in the area. 

“In Muara Bakti, this is where we start first. Tomorrow, it will be followed by training for the community, especially on processing organic waste into paper. This is a new product that has market value,” he explained. 

He added that the recycling products are expected to directly benefit the local economy. KUMALA itself has prepared markets to absorb and promote the products produced. 

“For example, the recycled bags made by the women rangers have already attracted the interest of the Bekasi Regency Government, through Bappeda, to be used as souvenirs for guests and participants of the CSR Musrenbang activities,” he explained, while expressing hope that Muara Bakti Village would not only become a model area for waste management but also a driver of environmentally-based creative economy. 

Source: Kompasiana