Mahija Parahita Nusantara Foundation Collaboration Enhances Waste Pickers Welfare Through Ramadan Berbagi Program

Jakarta, March 19, 2025 – The Mahija Parahita Nusantara Foundation continued the Ramadan Berbagi program, an initiative aimed at improving the welfare of workers in the waste sector, especially the waste pickers. This year, in collaboration with Coca- Cola Indonesia, the Mahija Foundation distributed 3,120 iftar meal packages and 838 basic necessities donation packages to waste pickers communities at 36 collection center locations throughout Indonesia. In addition, 1,400 children and educators in 8 adopted informal schools also received similar aid.

Ardhina Zaiza, Chairwoman of the Mahija Parahita Nusantara Foundation, emphasized, “We will continue to prioritize support to improve the welfare of waste pickers, who are our important partners in implementing circular economy efforts. Distributing essential supports such as food and basic necessities (sembako) is one of the focuses of our activities to directly help them in this holy month.”

Waste pickers make a significant contribution in reducing the volume of waste that ends up in landfills, as well as sorting it into recyclable materials. Based on data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, waste managed in Indonesia has only reached 59.93%. This figure includes household waste and waste similar to household waste.

Triyono Prijosoesilo, Director of Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Coca-Cola Indonesia explained, “Through our continued collaboration in the ‘Ramadan Berbagi’ program, Coca-Cola Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to empower waste pickers who play an important role in the packaging and recycling value chain. By supporting their welfare, we not only contribute to responsible recycling practices, but also help to increase their access to important social services such as education, health and safe working conditions. Together, we aim to create a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.”

Ardhina added, “We will continue to empower waste pickers through various activities and advocacy. Based on our observations in the field, waste pickers’ awareness to collect and sort waste safely still needs to be improved. Therefore, this month of Ramadan is also the right moment to hold training aimed at improving their working conditions.”

As the implementing agency for this program, Mahija also organizes a series of educational programs. These programs focus on safe and safety-oriented work environment training, as well as instilling clean and healthy living habits. In the future, training on selecting and calculating the value of collected waste will be a major focus.

To date, the Ramadan Sharing program has distributed more than 18,000 iftar food packages and 2,350 basic food packages. In addition, Mahija has successfully organized free basic health services for more than 21,000 waste workers in their respective regions. Meanwhile, the education access program for children of waste pickers families has reached more than 1,600 children through scholarship programs, adopted schools and mobile schools.

Media contact:

Beryl Masdiary – Head of Communications & Partnership

E-mail: beryl.masdiary@mahijaparahitanusantara.com