PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - In order to create a clean and healthy environment, a group formed independently, namely the Motekar Mekar Community Empowerment Group (KSM), Mekarjaya Village, Tarogong Kaler District, has another way of managing waste in an integrated manner through the management of the Integrated Waste Management Site (TPST), which is to create a sustainable waste management system.

The activities of this group were reviewed by the Head of the Government and Human Development Division of the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Garut Regency, Agus Dinar, on Thursday (23/3/2025).

Accompanied by the Tarogong Kaler District, Agus Dinar while monitoring waste management in Mekarjaya Village appreciated this activity as a community self-help initiative in managing waste in an integrated manner to create a clean and healthy environment.

Dede, Coordinator of KSM Motekar Mekar, explained that the waste management system is carried out by collecting waste from residents of Mekarjaya Village and its surroundings through RW coordination. Every day, waste from four RWs is transported using village transport cars and motorbikes from the sub-district.

Sorting is done based on categories, there is scrap waste that is directly sold. While organic waste is used as duck feed.

"Unused waste is burned, although it is still a challenge in terms of pollution," said Dede.

In addition, TPST Motekar also processes plastic into paving blocks and produces organic fertilizer. Organic fertilizer production reaches 60-70 sacks per month with a selling price of Rp10,000 per sack.

"However, paving block production is still limited due to limited raw materials," he added.

Sustainability Challenges and Efforts
Despite its positive impact, the program still faces operational constraints, such as limited funds and manpower. Employee wages have not been met, while fuel costs reach IDR 1 million per month. To overcome this, KSM Motekar proposed that the program be included in the village development planning meeting (musrenbangdes) and seek sponsorship support.

In addition, said Dede, public education about waste sorting is also considered necessary to increase management efficiency.

"If paving block production can be increased and marketed in large quantities, and fish ponds are managed more professionally, this program has the potential to become a source of sustainable income for the community," he explained.

Tarogong Kaler Sub-district Head, Rachmat Alamsyah, said that TPST Motekar Mekar is an example of a community self-help initiative supported by various parties, including the sub-district and village governments.

"We hope that this waste management will continue to develop and become an example for other villages in Garut Regency," said Rachmat. (Garut Regency Government Public Relations/rka)