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MIJEL SAHABAT LINGKUNGAN

Project MIJEL SAHABAT LINGKUNGAN, led by Ambassador Winarti, is an innovative environmental initiative aimed at reducing pollution through strategically collecting and repurposing MIJEL (a type of waste material) in school environments and beyond. The project involves the collection of MIJEL by students as part of their school curriculum in Environmental Studies, turning a mandatory task into an active family and community engagement in environmental preservation. The project has expanded its impact to several South Balikpapan areas involving schools, parents, and community members.

Project Objectives

• Education and Research Focus, The project educates students and the community about the detrimental effects of improper waste disposal and the benefits of recycling MIJEL.
• Community and Environmental Impact, Since the project's implementation, there has been a significant reduction in the disposal of MIJEL into waterways and soil, with parents actively participating by collecting MIJEL due to its integration into the school's curriculum.
• Innovation and Originality, The project is original in its approach, starting within the school environment and expanding to involve parents and the wider community, creating a sustainable cycle of environmental responsibility.

Key Achievements

• Direct pollution and ecological degradation reduction in South Balikpapan and surrounding areas.
• High levels of participation from schools, students, and parents, turning environmental protection into a community-wide responsibility.
• Students receive additional grades and learn practical environmental skills through involvement in the MIJEL collection and recycling processes.

Future Steps

• Over the next 3-5 years, the project aims to expand to more schools at various educational levels, from kindergarten to high school. This expansion is expected to foster a culture of environmental responsibility across a larger demographic, ingraining the importance of recycling from an early age.
• The project team currently comprises ten active members, primarily housewives, and collaborates with school principals and local education authorities. Plans include strengthening these collaborations and expanding the team to include more community volunteers.