Kertas Kita: Making Paper Recycling More Fun
15 November 2023
As a young teacher in one of the junior high schools in the city of Depok, every time I faced end-of-semester exams and grade promotions, I couldn’t help but think about the test papers ending up as waste. I wanted to do something about that paper waste, but I needed to figure out how to start.
Then, in March 2023, I applied to become a Green Influencer in the city of Depok, a creative waste management campaign initiated by Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (Plan Indonesia) through the Urban Nexus Phase 2 program, in collaboration with the City Planning and Development Agency of Depok (BAPPEDA Kota Depok). As a Green Influencer in Depok, I initiated “Kertas Kita,” which mobilizes and facilitates junior high school students to recycle waste into new paper.
Before taking action, I received training from expert speakers and guidance from Plan Indonesia and had the opportunity to network with communities and organizations in Depok. Additionally, I received funding support and collaboration to implement this action.
I acted in two schools, one junior high school and one particular needs school (SLB) in Depok. A total of 52 students actively participated. They expressed that this activity was easy to do individually and in groups. They also noted that recycling paper is more effective than burning or burying it.
I was also delighted to have the opportunity to act in the special needs school in Depok. This was my first experience interacting with friends with disabilities. It turns out that disabilities are not a barrier. We were able to communicate in simple language and successfully recycle the paper. I hope this activity continues in other schools or communities in Depok. If you reside in Depok, especially in the Citayam area, you can visit the Instagram account @_kertaskita to collaborate in the next paper recycling activities.
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About the Author
Meutia (22 years old) is one of the Green Influencers in Depok. This program, organized by the Plan International Indonesia Foundation (Plan Indonesia) through the Urban Nexus Program Phase 2, is intended for young people in Depok who initiate and lead creative waste management campaigns.
Since its inception in March 2023, 17 selected Green Influencers have been provided with capacity-building, mentoring, and funding support to carry out their actions. They have conducted 21 creative waste management campaign actions involving more than 500 children and young people.
About Urban Nexus Phase 2
Urban Nexus Phase 2 is a program implemented by Plan Indonesia to create a healthy, safe, and resilient environment through the empowerment and leadership of young urban communities in Depok. This program is carried out in collaboration with Teens Go Green and MDMC (Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center), supported by Plan International Australia and ANCP-DFAT.
