PORTALJABAR, BEKASI REGENCY - The journey of building environmental testing services from limitations to becoming an accredited laboratory led the Head of the Bekasi Regency Environmental Laboratory UPTD, Emalia Agustina, to participate in the third stage of the West Java Province Outstanding ASN Award selection through a field visit by the assessment team, Wednesday (28/10/2026).

In this stage, the assessment team directly observed the innovation, performance, and development of environmental laboratory services pioneered by Emalia and her team under the auspices of the Bekasi Regency Environmental Service.

The journey to establish the Environmental Laboratory Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) began in 2019 with very limited human resources. Emalia initiated the unit's development single-handedly before recruiting additional personnel and building a technical team to strengthen environmental testing services.

"That story is truly heartbreaking. The Environmental Laboratory Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) started from nothing, but thank God, now it exists and continues to grow. In 2019, I was alone, then at the end of 2020, we added additional personnel, until finally we had a team that understood the technical aspects of testing. This struggle wasn't my own, but a shared one with all my colleagues on the Environmental Laboratory Technical Implementation Unit," said Emalia.

The trip is an important part of his role as a state civil servant (ASN), who not only carries out administrative duties, but also strives to provide environmental services to be more independent and able to meet testing needs amidst the large industrial activity.

One of the key achievements in the laboratory's development was its successful acquisition of accreditation from the National Accreditation Committee (KAN) for 22 surface water and wastewater testing parameters. This achievement laid the foundation for developing environmental testing services in Bekasi Regency, which has an industrial area with significant environmental monitoring needs.

Currently, the laboratory provides wastewater testing to a number of users, including companies, Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), community health centers, and hospitals. Going forward, Emalia aims to expand its testing coverage through a one-stop service concept, aiming for development by 2027.

"The Environmental Laboratory Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) plays a significant role, especially as Bekasi Regency has a large industrial area. We hope that in the future, all testing needs can be increasingly met from here. It's still a gradual process because the number of personnel and equipment is not yet complete, but we continue to strive to achieve the target of integrated services by 2027," he said.

In addition to supporting environmental monitoring and protection, laboratory development also has the potential to increase Regional Original Income (PAD), particularly if service coverage is expanded to include air quality testing. However, this requires equipment readiness, human resources, and gradual service development.

"Laboratory testing costs are quite substantial. If we can expand our services to include air testing, the potential is also significant, given the large number of companies in Bekasi Regency. I hope that what we've pioneered will be beneficial in the future, helping to increase local revenue (PAD) and improve environmental conditions in Bekasi Regency," he said.

Through her participation in the third stage of the West Java Province Outstanding ASN Award selection, Emalia brings experience in building public services based on competence, consistency, and teamwork.

For Emalia, the achievements achieved are not the result of individual work alone, but rather the result of collaboration between all laboratory personnel and the support of various parties.

"Going forward, he hopes the Environmental Laboratory Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) will be increasingly capable of being at the forefront in supporting the Environmental Agency, providing testing services that meet standards, and maintaining environmental balance and sustainability in Bekasi Regency," he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Assessment Team, Nenden Tatin Maryati, explained that the visitation is the third stage, following portfolio selection, presentations, and interviews. Through this stage, the assessment team explores, verifies, and validates the candidates' proposed innovations while also observing their impact directly in the field.

"In principle, we examine, verify, and validate the proposed innovations, while also assessing their impact on the ground. This way, the jury gets a more comprehensive picture of the candidates' progress," said Nenden.

Regarding the Bekasi Regency Environmental Laboratory Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD), Nenden found its pioneering and development process interesting to observe. He also noted Emalia's role in developing the unit with her team.

"From our initial impressions, Ms. Ema appears to be a strong figure in developing this UPTD. This laboratory is still in its pioneering stages and is an ongoing process. Hopefully, it will continue to grow and improve in the future, supported by Ms. Ema and her colleagues," he said.

Nenden added that the Outstanding Civil Servant Award, held annually by the West Java Provincial Government, recognizes civil servants who demonstrate dedication, performance, and innovation in carrying out their duties. He hopes the award will motivate other civil servants to continue improving the quality of public services.

"Every year, we strive to identify and recognize civil servants who demonstrate outstanding achievements, dedication, and innovation, inspiring them. Hopefully, this will also encourage our fellow civil servants to continue demonstrating outstanding performance," Nenden concluded.

(Bekasi Regency Communications and Information Service/bhf)