Empowering Waste Workers: Turning Organic Waste Management into a New Skillset

As part of its ongoing commitment to empower waste workers, including waste pickers, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Indonesia (CCEP Indonesia) continues its collaboration with Yayasan Mahija Parahita Nusantara (Mahija). This year, the partnership focuses on improving the livelihoods of waste workers, particularly waste pickers, through continuous capacity building and skill development initiatives.

Through two key initiatives, “Berdaya Bersama” (Empowered Together) focusing on maggot cultivation and “Ibu Berdaya” (Empowered Women) focusing on water hyacinth crafts, CCEP Indonesia and Mahija aim to foster independence and open new economic opportunities for more than 200 waste workers across six community areas in the Greater Jakarta region.

CCEP Indonesia views these initiatives as more than just income-generating programs. They are also designed to instill a sense of independence, dignity, and pride among waste workers, empower waste workers to become recognized contributors to their communities.

With these new skills, waste workers are beginning to transform into environmental entrepreneurs, individuals actively keeping their neighborhoods clean, creating value from waste, and strengthening the circular economy at the community level.

Program Berdaya Bersama

The Berdaya Bersama program is designed to build a sustainable organic waste management system through the cultivation of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) maggots. This initiative not only helps reduce organic waste but also improves the livelihoods of waste pickers by turning waste into valuable resources.

Twenty waste pickers participated in the training, learning hands-on how maggot farming can serve as a dual solution, reducing waste while creating additional income opportunities. Participants are expected to earn an additional Rp 300,000 per month through this program.

The initiative began with a socialization session in September 2025, supported by various local stakeholders including; Ali Yudo Kisdiyanto, Head of Community Participation Division, East Jakarta Environmental Office, Sanudi, Public Administration Officer, Duren Sawit Environmental Sub-department, Nurlis Kumala Sari, Field Supervisor, Klender, Munzir, Head of Community Unit 10, Klender 

This cross-sector collaboration reflects a strong shared commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable waste management system.

Ibu Berdaya Program

In parallel, CCEP Indonesia and Mahija also launched the Ibu Berdaya program, focusing on transforming water hyacinth into eco-friendly handicrafts with economic value.

The rapid growth of water hyacinth in Indonesia’s waterways often leads to environmental challenges such as sedimentation and water quality degradation. Yet, behind these issues lies untapped potential, the material can be repurposed into sustainable, marketable products.

Through this program, 180 women waste workers, many of whom face economic hardship and limited access to skills training, are encouraged to see new potential in this overlooked natural material. Beyond expanding their knowledge, the program also aims for 40% of participants to earn an additional Rp 150,000 per month through the sale of their handmade crafts.

During the first training session, participants were introduced to various water hyacinth processing techniques and creative product development ideas. These new skills are expected to help them gain greater confidence, independence, and financial stability in supporting their families.

Through both initiatives, CCEP Indonesia and Mahija aim to inspire waste workers to realize that economic empowerment and environmental conservation can go hand in hand, paving the way toward an inclusive and sustainable circular economy.