MADANI Lead Partner CSO, PDa Aisyiyah Serang receives award from MoEF during FPSN event. Credit Photo: APP Sinar Mas

Lead Partner Aisyiyah in Serang (Banten) played a major role in strengthening the waste bank initiative that involves cashless transfers between members. Aisyiyah Serang helped the waste bank open new collection centers within the Serang branch of Aisyiyah and expanded their reach to other parts of the region. As part of MADANI’s Learning Forum, Aisyiyah Serang helped increased the technical capacity, accountability, and sustainability of the waste bank. Currently, over 4,000 rural families in the greater Serang region are participating in this community-based waste management initiative. The digital waste bank innovative strategy not only serves as a solution for waste reduction, but also improves rural livelihoods and helps meet the demand of several industries. For example, this initiative garnered the attention of PT. Indah Kiat Paper and Pulp, one of Indonesia’s largest paper and pulp companies. The Serang Digital Waste Bank formed a partnership with the paper and pulp company, supplying them with paper-based waste products – totaling more than 20.5 tons since the start of their collaboration in October 2022.