Yogyakarta, December 8th 2022─In line with the concept of sustainable economic development, Sociedad Indonesia para America Latina (SIPAL) of Fisipol UGM collaborated with the Center for World Trade Studies (PSPD) UGM to hold a series of events at the UGM International Forum (UGMIF) with the theme Circular Economy Forum. The event which was held in the west hall of Fisipol lasted for three days, from 6 to 8 December 2022.
“We realize that environmental issues are a very serious discourse. Currently, we are starting a circular economy program from an educational institution in Copenhagen, Denmark. We maximize all use of resources, sort waste, and recycle resources that can still be used,” said July as the representative of the circular economy program in Denmark. This program is not only the first step in preserving the earth, but also provides education for school-age children so they are able to participate in protecting the environment, he added.
According to the definition of the National Development Planning Agency, circular economy is a closed circular economic system, by maximizing the use and value of raw materials, components, and products, so as to reduce the amount of waste materials that are not reused and disposed of in landfills. “There are two things that we have to highlight since the pandemic, the first is garbage. We find out at landfill sites (TPA), that there the production of plastic waste has increased sharply since the pandemic. Second, is the consumption of clean water. Consumption in places of worship, schools, or other public places has decreased. But household water consumption has doubled for daily needs,” said the Head of Regional Development and Planning Agency of Salatiga, Drs. Muthoin, M.Si in a talk show about environmental management in the city of Salatiga.
Not only about educating the urgency of the circular economy discourse, UGMIF also invited the Yogyakarta MSME community and producers to participate in enlivening the bazaar. You can see various booths selling handicrafts, batik, herbal drinks, and snacks. Almost all sellers are directed to reduce the use of plastic materials as product packaging as much as possible. Various types of recycled products were also exhibited at this event, including a vending machine specifically for plastic bottles and packaging. Visitors can participate by depositing a number of used plastic bottles in this machine. It is hoped that in the future, circular economy messages and campaigns can be conveyed and turned into people’s habits to reduce waste.