Despite the distance, it does not diminish the spirit of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to contribute to the development of the National Capital (IKN), especially for the surrounding communities. One of the contributions is the construction of the 3R Waste Disposal Site (TPS), focusing on Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle, along with the promotion of waste sorting.

The construction of the 3R TPS and waste sorting promotion by the Eco-Warrior Team from the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) ITB during the period from September to November 2023 in Bukit Raya Village, Sepaku District, North Penajam Paser Regency (PPU), the main area of IKN, received positive responses from the community.

The Eco-Warrior Team from LPPM ITB carried out various activities in Bukit Raya Village to support the implementation of "Smart and Green Technology" in waste management in IKN. Some of the activities included waste sorting promotion, procurement of waste motorcycles, and renovation of local 3R TPS.

The Head of Bukit Raya Village, Yatiman Setiawan, along with the RT chairman and other local community leaders, expressed full support for the planning and implementation of waste treatment technology activities carried out by the Eco-Warrior Team from LPPM ITB.

Since October, waste sorting promotion has been conducted in several RT/RW in Bukit Raya Village. In addition to verbal education and campaigns, the Eco-Warrior Team from LPPM ITB also provided brochures on waste sorting procedures to local residents to ensure they understand the correct steps for waste sorting at home.

"The results of these educational activities have shown promising outcomes. A week after the promotion, it was found that 100% of the residents who received the promotion have sorted their waste, and 70% of them have done it correctly," said Enrico Nichlas, Coordinator of the Eco-Warrior Team from LPPM ITB.

The success in fostering a waste sorting culture marks a good start for the Eco-Warrior Team from LPPM ITB in implementing appropriate waste treatment technology in Bukit Raya Village. After fostering a waste sorting culture, plans have been made regarding waste collection techniques, renovation of local 3R TPS, and the implementation of a waste bank system at the local 3R TPS. The waste bank system implementation started in mid-October.

During this activity, the collected and sorted waste from residents will be weighed, and residents will earn income from the waste they bring. The value depends on the type of waste collected. "To support the waste bank activity, the Eco-Warrior Team from LPPM ITB conducted a revitalization layouting related to the waste processing flow system at the local 3R TPS," said Enrico.

In this construction, painting was also done to add aesthetic value to the built 3R TPS. This activity has reached the finishing stage. Furthermore, to support field operations, the Eco-Warrior Team from LPPM ITB also procured Viar waste motorcycles to facilitate waste collection from the waste source to the 3R TPS, thus improving distribution access.

The community service activities and handover of construction and facilities are expected to be completed by mid-November. LPPM ITB hopes that this activity can provide sustainable benefits, both in terms of infrastructure and waste sorting culture, to realize a culture of independent waste management and achieve a waste-free or zero waste area within the broader framework of LPPM ITB's mission of "Cleaning the Nation."

"In addition, it is also hoped that this activity can pave the way for various parties to participate in building superior sanitation for our future national capital, the National Capital," said Made Wahyu Widyarsana, the lecturer supervising this community service activity.