My name is Brenda Bakomora, and I am a student in the MSc Environmental Management with Placement at Brunel University.
During Term 3, whilst working on my dissertation, I received an email about an opportunity for a placement in Indonesia. The placement was offered by the Plastics in Indonesian Societies (PISCES) Partnership of Brunel University London, and the University of Airlangga, in Banyuwangi, Indonesia. I felt excited and I applied. And I was successful in getting it!
Before I knew it, I found myself in Banyuwangi, Indonesia, in September 2023, where I begun my hands-on experience on understanding food waste generation and promoting sustainable waste management practices. Banyuwangi is a vibrant location, located in East Java, with bustling markets and serene natural landscapes, with a diversity of cultures. It is also one of the areas impacted by the lack of waste infrastructure, and, I therefore, witnessed first-hand the environmental challenges stemming from waste mismanagement.
I made it my mission to contribute to food waste reduction, fostering environmental sustainability, and enhancing the well-being of the local community. My encounter with the people living in the villages of the Banyuwangi District, depended my awareness of the complex interplay between human activities and the environment and offered a remarkable chance to not only expand my knowledge but also sharpen my practical skills in the realm of sustainable waste management.
Working jointly with the PISCES Partnership, University of Airlangga, and Systemiq, I monitored and characterised food waste generated in households to detect current trends and patterns and identify the composition of food waste generated by households in Banyuwangi, by employing a comprehensive categorisation and measurement approach.
In the study, the collected household waste consisted of 63% food waste and 37% non-food waste, which included plastics, paper, glass, and garden waste. I also examined food waste patterns and behaviours among participants. Respondents predominantly engage in daily shopping rather than bulk purchases. Positively, 75% of participants express a strong desire to reduce food waste, while the remaining group, primarily low-income individuals, tends to have fewer leftovers.
Awareness of recycling programs is limited (15%), but a significant majority (75%) would like to receive training on waste sortation and food waste reduction. The primary source of food waste reported by participants is leftovers. These insights can be used in decision-making procedures and therefore informing the development of tailored and effective food waste management solutions that align with the local context, ensuring their success in addressing the specific challenges of the community.
In addition, I went on a site visit to a recently inaugurated waste material recovery facility (MRF) in Balak village, located in the Songgon district of Banyuwangi Regency. This visit provided valuable insights into the current infrastructure and the challenges faced by local stakeholders. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to conduct interviews with residents and waste management leads, allowing me to better understand their goals, perspectives and challenges they encounter on a daily basis.
I also had the opportunity to visit a groundbreaking sustainable farming site, Glenmore Sky Farm, Banyuwangi, where I gained insights into the innovative management of food waste with the use of black soldier fly larvae. This visit included an educational tour, offering valuable insights into sustainable architecture, pesticide-free farming, rainwater harvesting, paper recycling, and a fascinating laboratory visit to observe essential oil extraction from fruits and plants. These on-site visits enabled me to understand how the key findings of my work can inform stakeholders involved in existing waste management facilities. This, in turn, helped me identify the key barriers and opportunities for transitioning towards a more sustainable food waste management system at the local Indonesian level.
This work placement has proven to be a remarkable opportunity for bridging the gap between theory and practice. It allowed me to put into practice the knowledge gained during my academic career in a real-world setting. The program significantly improved my skills in data collection and analysis, critical thinking and project management. Moreover, it improved my ability to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders and adapt to new cultural situations. Overall, it has heightened my awareness of the challenges that households and communities may face in waste management in developing countries.
This international work placement experience advanced my adaptability, intercultural competency, and willingness to step outside of my comfort zone. This work placement was not only enriching but also transforming my commitment to environmental sustainability. It equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful contribution in the field of environmental management.
I am, now, eager to apply everything I have learned and contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient future.