By: Sani Firmansyah (Supporter CenterWWF-Indonesia)

"Waste is a problem faced by almost all countries in the world. Not only in developing countries, but also in developed countries, waste has always been a problem. Indonesia is no exception. Based on research conducted by the Department of Environment in 2014, in one day, Jakarta produces 6,270 tons of waste," explained Primayunta, Supporter Engagement Coordinator WWF-Indonesia as a guest speaker in the "Science Fair" event at Highfield Secondary School, Duren Sawit, East Jakarta last Friday (27/10).

Primayunta's presence representing WWWF-Indonesia's Panda Mobile was an invitation from Highfield Secondary School to share information about waste. A week earlier, the students at the school held a "Science Fair" with an exhibition of recycled products. In his presentation, Primayunta also explained about the types of waste, namely organic waste, inorganic waste, and toxic and hazardous waste (B3).

What is not so well understood by the public in general is that these wastes can actually be processed further into something useful. Organic waste can be processed into fertilizer by composting, inorganic waste can be recycled into other useful objects. Meanwhile, hazardous waste must be managed first so that it cannot damage the environment. "If waste is not managed properly, not only humans, but also animals and their ecosystems will be disrupted. For example, a sea turtle was found eating plastic waste because (the plastic) was mistaken for its food, which is jellyfish," Primayunta added.

The presentation session on waste by WWF-Indonesia's Panda Mobile received an enthusiastic response from the students. Some of them asked questions. "Is it possible to close down plastic factories so that plastic waste does not exist?" asked Raihan, a grade 7 student of Highfield Secondary School. Primayunta answered, "Of course not, because our lives cannot be separated from plastic. What we can do is to be wise in using plastic and manage the plastic waste to reduce the waste generation."

The teachers also appreciated the presence of WWF-Indonesia's Mobile Panda in the Science Fair. "The workshop presented by WWF-Indonesia is certainly very inspiring for us at school. Hopefully, we can instill and start a culture that cares about the environment, especially (related to) plastic waste," said Yeyen, one of the teachers at Highfield Secondary School.