RRI.CO.ID, Sumedang - The Sumedang Regency Administration in West Java is intensifying efforts to build a culture of environmental awareness among students through its Eco-Friendly School Program, a strategic initiative aimed at reducing waste while instilling sustainable habits from an early age.

Regent Dony Ahmad Munir said the program is designed to address the region’s waste problem, which has reached more than 176,000 tons annually, or about 483 tons per day.

“We want schools to be centers of change, not only places for academic learning, but also strategic spaces to build awareness and environmentally friendly behavior in responding to waste issues,” he explained on Saturday, May 9, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The initiative promotes the Zero Waste School concept across all educational institutions, encouraging activities such as waste sorting, maintaining school cleanliness, reducing single-use plastics, and fostering the habit of students bringing their own food and drink containers.

The local Education Agency reported that around 70 percent of 725 elementary and junior high schools under its authority have already adopted the program.

Sumedang aims for all schools to gradually implement the initiative, thereby reducing the volume of waste sent to final disposal sites (TPA). According to Dony, the program has begun to show positive impacts, with cleaner schools, more environmentally conscious students, and benefits extending to surrounding communities.

Several schools have already introduced practices such as carrying reusable tumblers and lunch boxes to cut down on plastic waste. Dony expressed hope that the movement will grow into a shared culture beyond schools.

“This is our commitment, not only to solve environmental problems but also to shape a generation that is responsible for the future,” he said.

In addition to the school-based program, the Sumedang administration continues to push for waste reduction at the source through public education on waste sorting, the establishment of waste banks, composting initiatives, and greater community participation in maintaining cleanliness. ***