Fostering a Sustainable Lifestyle through Waste Sorting Actions

JAKARTA - Discussions about sustainable lifestyles are often synonymous with major changes, ranging from reducing the use of plastic to switching to environmentally friendly energy.

However, behind all these efforts, there is one simple habit that often escapes attention, namely sorting garbage from its source.

This habit is an important foundation in building a more responsible waste management system. At a time when waste is separated according to its type, organic, inorganic, and residue of recycling and further processing, it becomes more effective.

This small step also opens up opportunities so that waste does not end up in the final disposal site (TPA).

This spirit is what inspired the birth of #AksiAsri Operasi Semut, a movement initiated by PT Chandra Asri Pacific Tbk (Chandra Asri Group) through the Indonesia Asri Campaign.

Since its introduction in early 2023, this program combines education on waste sorting with cleaning actions in public spaces.

Instead of just inviting people to clean the environment, this activity also educates participants about the importance of recognizing types of garbage and practicing sorting directly. A simple and easy approach to apply in daily life is one of the reasons why this program is able to reach various circles.

For more than three years of implementation, until mid-2026, the #AksiAsri Operation Semut has entered the 12th series. A total of 291 volunteers were involved in various activities that managed to collect around 265 kilograms of garbage from a number of public spaces.

The scope of activities has also continued to expand. If at first it was more present in the Car Free Day (CFD) area of Jakarta, this program then expanded to tourist destinations such as the Old City to the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) sports area.

Similar education was also brought to various national-scale events, such as the Jakarta Running Festival, Jakarta Martial Arts Extravaganza (JMAE), and the Indonesia Short Course Emerging Series 2026. The presence at various events is a way to introduce the habit of sorting waste to a wider community, as well as showing that environmental conservation can be done anywhere.

Interestingly, waste management in this program does not stop after the collection process. Low-value plastic waste that has been sorted is then processed at the ASARI IPST (Integrated Waste Management Industry to Manage Waste Independently) into pyrolysis oil.

This process is one example of the application of circular economy, where waste that was previously a potential environmental burden can be reused as an alternative raw material.

This approach shows that waste management is not only about reducing waste volume, but also how to create new value from materials that were previously considered useless.

Efforts to build a better waste management culture through education and community participation also received appreciation. At the Indonesia PR of the Year 2023 event, #AksiAsri Operasi Semut received the "Very Good" predicate in the Creative Corporate Reputation category. The award was given based on quantitative measurement of outtakes parameters, which assess the effectiveness of programs in increasing understanding and encouraging community involvement in environmental conservation actions.

Entering the 12th series, this movement also marks an expansion of reach outside the Jabodetabek area through the Jejak Asri On the Move program.

Collaborating with the Student Executive Board (BEM) of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University (UNTIRTA), the activity was held in the city of Serang, Banten, involving students and local people in education and waste management.

Collaboration with communities, educational institutions, event organizers, and the general public shows that building a sustainable lifestyle requires the involvement of many parties.

The more people who are used to sorting garbage and understand the importance of waste management, the greater the opportunity to create a cleaner environment.