
Following the successful implementation of the “Institutionalization of Waste Facility Training” as reported earlier, Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) has taken further action to strengthen its integrated waste management system as part of its commitment to becoming a green campus.
The follow-up initiative focuses on three key areas: the vision and mission of sustainable waste management, the formalization of an integrated waste management organizational structure, and the creation of comprehensive waste management guidelines.
During a recent coordination meeting in Ruang Sidang 2, Doni, Head of the General Subdivision at Polije, presented the full operational flow of Polije’s waste management system. He explained how various units are interconnected, from waste generation points in academic and dormitory areas to final processing centers. The process emphasizes sorting at the source, recycling, and the promotion of circular economy principles in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 12.
A representative from Waste4Change, the institution’s waste management partner, elaborated on the broader vision and mission of sustainable waste development. “Our goal is to instill a culture of responsible waste management not only through infrastructure but also through continuous education and community engagement,” the representative noted.
One of the key inputs from Waste4Change is the recommendation to appoint Green Campus Ambassadors at Polije. These ambassadors will act as peer educators and role models, promoting waste literacy among students and staff to ensure the success of the integrated system.
The newly established Integrated Waste Management Organizational Structure outlines roles and responsibilities from the campus management level down to individual student units. It includes monitoring and evaluation teams, technical implementation units, and communication liaisons to ensure transparency and accountability.
Additionally, Polije has begun drafting an official Waste Management Guideline that will be used as a reference for daily operations, training, and academic integration. This document will provide procedures for waste sorting, handling, transportation, and composting.
As part of the institution’s long-term capacity-building roadmap, Polije has announced Capacity Building Phase 2, scheduled for June 2025. This session will focus on the technical aspects of waste production processing, such as composting, waste-to-energy technology, and scalable recycling methods tailored to the needs of higher education institutions.
Through these strategic efforts, Polije is positioning itself not only as a green campus but also as a center of excellence for sustainable development practices in Indonesian vocational education. (rda)