West Kutai Collaborates with Unmul to Develop Waste Management Education Strategy

WEST KUTAI, GARISBUMI.com – The West Kutai Regency Government is collaborating with Mulawarman University (Unmul) to develop a communication and education strategy for waste management that suits the needs of the local community. It is hoped that this study will become the basis for a program that can increase awareness and involvement of residents in managing waste.

The collaboration between the West Kutai Environmental Service (DLH) and the Unmul Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM) was realized through the preparation of a Communication, Information and Education (KIE) Academic Study on Waste Management Strategies.

The preparation was discussed in a focus group discussion (FGD) at the Aji Tulur Jejangkat Auditorium, Monday (12/10/2026). The forum was opened by West Kutai Regional Secretary Erik Victory and attended by the Head of West Kutai DLH RL Bandarsyah, elements of Forkopimda, the LPPM Unmul study team, and discussion participants.

In the West Kutai Regent's speech read by Erik, the regional government highlighted population growth and economic activity which had contributed to increasing the volume of waste. This condition requires proper management so that the impact does not spread further.

"The issue of waste is no longer just an environmental aesthetic problem, but has become a crucial issue that has a direct impact on public health, ecosystem sustainability, and the sustainability of regional development," said the Regent's speech.

The KIE study is considered important to help local governments formulate targeted communication and education approaches. The strategy developed needs to take into account the characteristics of the community and the conditions of the West Kutai area.

The Regent also invited the community and government officials to become pioneers in caring for waste by starting with themselves and their immediate environment.