KARIMUN -- As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering environmental awareness from an early age, PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk continues to carry out educational programs for young students. This time, the company invited students of SD Negeri 009 West Kundur, Karimun Regency, to learn the importance of waste segregation while introducing them to the Lanjut Bestari Waste Bank in Sawang Laut Village.
The educational program was enthusiastically welcomed by the students. They learned about different types of waste, including organic and inorganic waste, as well as the benefits of waste segregation and the potential for recyclable materials to be transformed into products with economic value.
In addition to classroom learning, the students were introduced to the waste management system implemented by the Lanjut Bestari Waste Bank, one of PT TIMAH's community development partners.
Through this program, properly sorted waste can be collected and deposited at the waste bank, giving it economic value while contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Saharun, Principal of SD Negeri 009 West Kundur, said that the school has maintained a long-standing partnership with PT TIMAH in supporting waste management initiatives within the school.
According to him, continuous environmental education has helped students understand the importance of sorting waste, particularly inorganic waste that still holds economic value.
"The children are beginning to understand. Whenever they find plastic bottles or other recyclable materials, they collect them and hand them over to their teachers, who then deliver them to the Lanjut Bestari Waste Bank," Saharun said.
Students who actively collect recyclable waste also receive school supplies as rewards, funded through the proceeds from the waste bank. The incentive serves as motivation for students to become more environmentally conscious.
"We hope this program continues. The students are becoming more enthusiastic about keeping the school clean because they receive both education and appreciation for their environmental efforts. Hopefully, in the future, the rewards will extend beyond school supplies," he added.
He also explained that PT TIMAH provides transportation support to deliver collected waste to the waste bank, ensuring the program operates effectively.
In addition to supporting the waste bank's operations, PT TIMAH has also donated waste management facilities to the school, including three color-coded waste segregation bins and handwashing stations to promote cleanliness among students.
According to Saharun, the availability of separate waste bins makes it easier for students to develop the habit of disposing of waste correctly, helping build an environmentally responsible culture from elementary school.
"We greatly appreciate PT TIMAH's support. This assistance not only improves our school facilities but also serves as a valuable learning tool that encourages students to develop good hygiene and environmental habits. We're already seeing the impact—many students now dispose of their trash properly after buying snacks," he said.
Previously, PT TIMAH also organized waste management education for students at SD Negeri 22 Mentok in West Bangka Regency, teaching them how to sort and recycle waste into creative products. (*)
