RRI.CO.ID, Bekasi - The Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is pivoting toward bio-integrated solutions to combat the country’s growing waste management challenges. According to the press release, Minister Brian Yuliarto has called for the nationwide scaling of maggot-based bioconversion technology to process organic waste, to reduce landfill reliance and promote a circular economy.

During a visit to the PT Maggot Indonesia Lestari Bioconversion Center on Sunday, 1 March 2026, Minister Yuliarto stated that Indonesian universities will serve as independent auditors for residential complexes and private sectors that implement their own Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). These facilities will be assessed and green-labeled by universities.

"Complexes that have established processing systems will be labeled 'green' or 'prowaste', and the universities will review and assess them," Minister Yuliarto, stated as quoted from the press release.

Bioconversion technology has already yielded impressive results in Indonesia’s housing and tourism sector. Markus Susanto, President Director of PT Maggot, presented data showing that maggot cultivation can reduce organic waste residue to as low as 3%. This is particularly significant for Indonesia’s hotels and conservation areas, which generate high volumes of food waste that previously ended up in overflowing municipal landfills.

The initiative also seeks to mobilize the country's massive student population. The Minister emphasized a "synergy" where students will conduct regional surveys to map waste production data. This data will serve as the "primary foundation" for local governments to develop scientifically-backed Waste Management Master Plans.