BackGarbage Industry: Environmental-Based Economic Activities

For most areas, waste is a burden for the government, but not for the Tarakan City Government. Since 2006, Medco E&P, in collaboration with the Tarakan City Environmental Department in North Kalimantan, has been managing market waste into useful products by involving local communities. Through this integrated waste management program, the average amount of market waste processed is 84,275 kg per year. This program, known as Taman Industri Sampah – Kegiatan Ekonomi Berbasis Lingkungan (TIS-KEBAL), has grown into a composting learning center at the Tenguyin Market. On average, 400 visitors come each year, ranging from kindergarten students to university students. For university students, TIS-KEBAL serves as a place for internships and community service programs. This market waste management program has also expanded to Gusher Market in West Tarakan. Additionally, the program collaborates with local community groups to process plastic waste into alternative fuel.