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Waste is one of the main problems faced by Indonesia. The type of waste is divided into organic waste and inorganic waste that is not processed often causes environmental pollution. The accumulation of waste that occurs around the environment triggered the company PT JBG (Jorong Barutama Greston) which is one of the subsidiaries of PT ITM (Indo Tambangraya Megah) located in South Kalimantan to build a place to utilize waste in eco-friendly bricks.
The bricks commonly used by Indonesians are bricks made of cement and sand. PT JBG has an innovation to make these bricks from a mixture of organic waste (paper) which will later be processed and molded into bricks. "Following the vision of the company, becoming an Indonesian energy company at the heart of innovation, technology, inclusion, and sustainability, makes us innovate to utilize this waste into something useful for the surrounding community" - Mr. Elisa Siregar, Head of Sustainability at PT JBG.
In addition to utilizing organic waste for brick production, ITM is innovating the use of processed paper waste from domestic waste. Through a shredder, mixing process, and molding, this paper waste is transformed into bricks, contributing to the construction of various structures such as places of worship and other simple buildings.
The bricks making process at PT JBG
PT JBG is managing an environmentally sound mine with plans to transition to renewable energy. This plan is one of the inspirations for the implementation of several activities regarding waste utilization. The inspiration for utilizing domestic waste to create bricks comes from the desire to find sustainable and beneficial uses for domestic waste. Transforming organic waste into bricks can not only reduce waste disposal costs but also create a valuable product that can be utilized in infrastructure projects in the surrounding society.
The overall impact of utilizing domestic waste to create bricks is significant. It helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills or stored in impoundments, thereby minimizing environmental pollution. Additionally, using domestic waste for bricks can reduce the need for traditional materials such as sand or cement, which require high energy consumption and contribute to carbon emissions during their production.
The business benefit of utilizing organic waste to create bricks and coal mining companies is twofold. First, it helps in cost savings by reducing waste disposal expenses. Second, coal mining companies can improve their image and reputation by demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management practices.
The utilization of domestic waste to bricks in ITM has several social and environmental benefits. Socially, it helps create a cleaner and healthier environment by reducing the amount of waste generated by daily operations. Additionally, the use of domestic waste for bricks can contribute to the development of sustainable infrastructure projects in the surrounding area. Furthermore, this activity can be useful for the surrounding community to contribute and also proves beneficial by enabling cost reduction in the procurement of paving blocks. “Along with the increasing volume of waste, what is expected is the improvement of PT JBG's manpower, the upgrading of waste processing equipment, technical support, and competence in each team.”- Mr. Elisa Siregar, Head of Sustainability at PT JBG.
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Elisa Siregar, Head of Sustainability
PT JORONG BARUTAMA GRESTON (PT JBG) is one of the subsidiaries of PT Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk located in Swarangan Village, Jurong District, Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan. PT JBG is deeply committed to engaging with local communities and recognizing the importance of social responsibility in sustainable development.