Indonesian educational institutions launch sustainability initiatives

Educational institutions in Indonesia are implementing various initiatives to promote environmental sustainability and food security.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang (UNIMUS) has launched a mandatory tumbler movement for its entire academic community to reduce single-use plastic waste. The policy targets faculty, staff, and students, including 5,029 new students introduced to the practice during their orientation in September 2026. To support the initiative, the university is providing water refill stations at strategic locations across the campus.

In Sleman, Yogyakarta, SD Negeri Purwosari has integrated food security into its curriculum by utilizing recycled plastic water jugs as planters for vegetable gardens. Students from grades 1 through 6 participate in the full agricultural cycle, from seeding to harvesting crops such as tomatoes, chili, and cucumbers. The program also emphasizes waste management by converting organic waste into liquid compost and using dried leaves as planting media. The harvested vegetables are sold to local vendors, with proceeds supporting student needs and learning activities.