Jember Polytechnic Transforms Household Waste into Economic Opportunity in Suci Village

Jember State Polytechnic (Polije) has partnered with the Larahan Makmur Waste Bank Unit in Suci Village to launch a innovative program converting household waste into new economic resources.

Running from August to September 2025 under the PNBP-funded Community Service scheme, the initiative addresses Jember Regency’s significant waste management challenges while creating income opportunities for local residents.

The program focuses on changing community perspectives toward waste, demonstrating how both organic and inorganic materials can be transformed into valuable products including compost, eco-enzymes, and recycled goods.

Through a combination of educational sessions and hands-on training, participants learn practical waste management techniques that directly benefit their households and community.

Team leader Linda Ekadewi Widyatami emphasized the program’s broader vision, “This isn’t just technical training but about building awareness of circular economy principles. Waste previously considered useless can actually become a new income source when managed properly and sustainably.”

Village Head Akhmad Suyuthi appreciated Polije’s contribution to community empowerment, noting the training helps residents understand effective waste management while creating economic opportunities. Similarly, Larahan Makmur Waste Bank Chairperson Siti Herawati stated the program provides new insights and inspiration for waste bank operators in her village.

This collaboration between academic institutions, local government, and community members represents a comprehensive approach to reducing waste volume while improving citizen welfare. Polije has committed to ongoing mentoring to establish Suci Village as a model for integrated waste management based on sustainable economic principles in Jember Regency.