PT Rekayasa Industri (Rekind)’s commitment to environmental sustainability is not only realized through large clean energy projects. Through social and educational touches, the only state-owned EPC Company is currently preparing a special program that targets changes in the behavior of its own employees: sorting waste to be processed into useful products.

“Environmental issues are not just big discourse, but must start from small things, including our daily habits in the office. We want employees to be pioneers of change, who can later become an inspiration for the community,” said Budi Adi Nugroho, Corporate Secretary of Rekind.

Budi explained that in the program initiated by the Department of Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) Rekind, all employees will be given an understanding and training on how to sort organic and non-organic waste. Not stopping at theory, employees are also invited to practice directly how to process organic waste into products that are useful for plants.

“The goal is not only for a cleaner work environment, but also to support the principle of a circular economy and provide real benefits to the surrounding community,” continued Budi.

As an initial step, a number of employees from the Corporate Secretary Unit have been deployed to participate in the Smart Organic Waste Processing Workshop & Innovation in Serpong, Tangerang, Banten. This workshop provides participants with knowledge on how to make Biowash — a multifunctional liquid resulting from the fermentation of organic waste, especially fruit peels, mixed with a starter microorganism called Promic.

Herman Susatyo, VP TJSL Rekind, explained that Biowash has many benefits. In addition to being a natural liquid fertilizer that can fertilize plants, Biowash can also be used as an environmentally friendly multipurpose cleaner.

“The process of making Biowash is actually simple. Organic waste is fermented with Promic. The fermentation results are what then a nutrient-rich liquid become. This is a form of waste utilization that is very efficient and produces minimal waste,” explained Herman. Biowash also functions as a planting medium that can accelerate the decomposition of organic waste into nutrients for plants. In fact, this liquid is effective as a cleaner for various surfaces, thus reducing dependence on hazardous chemicals that are often used in commercial cleaning products.

Interestingly, Herman emphasized that employee education is not only for the company’s internal interests. Rekind has a vision for its employees to become the driving force that is able to transmit this knowledge to the wider community.

“We want employees to be agents of change. Imagine if they started practicing waste management at home, then taught their neighbors or community. The impact would be extraordinary for the environment,” he said optimistically.