We are the seventh batch of Mutual+ scholarship awardees, consisting of Putri, Kayla, Syifa, Zula, and Alya from Universitas Indonesia, as well as Roberto from Universitas Brawijaya. Through this program, we were given the opportunity to implement the Mutualplus Social Project (MSP), a key component of the Mutual+ scholarship that focuses on community service and empowerment through social initiatives. As part of this program, we initiated an activity titled “Berkah Organik” in collaboration with the residents of Kampung Berkah, located in Jatipadang, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta.
The “Berkah Organik” program was conducted over four sessions in partnership with the management of Bank Sampah Manggala Jingga and the local community of Kampung Berkah. This initiative was designed to raise public awareness regarding organic waste management. The activities included educational sessions on composting, hands-on practice in processing organic waste into liquid organic fertilizer and compost, as well as the introduction of how these products can support environmental greening. In addition, the program featured discussions, interactive games, and ecoprint training. Through this series of activities, residents were encouraged to understand that organic waste management can begin within their immediate surroundings through simple yet impactful actions that contribute to environmental cleanliness and sustainability.
Kampung Berkah is a densely populated area located in RT 003/RW 006, Jati Padang, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. The area is home to approximately 400 households, with a population exceeding 1,200 residents. In addition to facing flood risks due to its low-lying location near a river, the community also experiences limitations in waste management facilities. Nevertheless, the residents demonstrate a strong spirit of mutual cooperation through existing initiatives such as the waste bank program and community-based vegetable cultivation. This potential served as the foundation for the implementation of the “Berkah Organik” program, aiming to equip residents with new skills to manage waste independently and sustainably.
During the implementation of MSP 2026, the awardees experienced a high level of enthusiasm and active participation from the community. Alya expressed a particularly meaningful impression, highlighting the team’s strong collaboration and the residents’ enthusiasm. She stated, “I am deeply moved by the community’s high level of enthusiasm throughout each stage of the program,” while also conveying her sincere gratitude to Mutualplus, Group 1 UI, and all residents who contributed to the success of this initiative. This experience has motivated our team to continue providing meaningful and practical support to the community.
For Putri, the program offered valuable insights into designing impactful social projects. She shared, “Through MSP, I have learned a great deal about developing social projects and training programs that are meaningful for the community,” as reflected in how the residents of Kampung Berkah continue to remember and appreciate the organic waste management training provided.
Zula highlighted the warmth and sense of belonging they experienced from the pre-event phase through the completion of the program. She remarked, “We were always warmly welcomed and felt a strong sense of community here,” expressing her hope that the benefits delivered during the four sessions will continue to create a lasting impact and be shared further within the surrounding community.
As a representative of Bank Sampah Manggala Jingga, Ms. Tina expressed her appreciation for the program, as it complements the existing environmental management system in the area. She stated, “I am pleased that our community now includes organic waste processing, allowing residents to better understand its benefits after implementation,” and hopes that the community will consistently apply these practices to produce meaningful outcomes.
A similar sentiment was shared by another resident, Ms. Ida, who expressed gratitude for the tangible results of the training, which have already benefited their community garden. She stated, “Alhamdulillah, the fertilizer has been successfully produced and has helped improve soil fertility while reducing waste that contributes to an unclean environment.” She also added that the program has strengthened the relationship between residents and the awardees. Looking ahead, she hopes that independent waste processing will continue to expand and eventually generate economic benefits for the community.
Through this program, the awardees hope that “Berkah Organik” will not remain merely a community service initiative, but will be sustained independently by the residents of Kampung Berkah. Ultimately, the composting outcomes are expected to develop into a potential source of income for the community. With continued support from the management of Bank Sampah Manggala Jingga and local environmental cadres, this program is envisioned as an initial step toward building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable community.
Authors: Putri, Kayla, Syifa, Zula, and Alya (Group 1 Universitas Indonesia)
Editor: Marcomm Mutual+