Bening Saguling Foundation is dedicated to restoring the Citarum River, addressing severe pollution issues through community programs focused on waste management, education, and sustainable practices. Founded by Indramawan, the foundation aims to empower local communities while promoting environmental conservation.
Welcome to the Citarum River, the longest river in West Java, which serves as a vital source of life for millions. However, the Citarum River is currently facing serious environmental challenges. According to data from the National Waste Management Information System of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, waste accumulation in the Citarum River reached 3.4 million tons in 2023. In response to this crisis, the Bening Saguling Foundation has emerged as a dedicated community organization committed to protecting and restoring the Citarum River.
Founded by Indramawan, the Bening Saguling Foundation was established to address the pressing environmental issues affecting the Citarum River. The foundation was created in light of the massive waste problem originating from cities such as Bandung, Cimahi, and the surrounding areas, which has led to significant pollution in the river. Additionally, the foundation aims to tackle issues such as the extensive growth of water hyacinth (condok) covering 94 hectares and the ongoing sedimentation that continues to shallow the river.
The foundation's vision is to preserve the environment and empower local communities. To achieve this, Bening Saguling Foundation has developed several programs:
The Citarum Repair program employs innovative technology to intercept waste before it enters the river. Using a trash barrier, waste is collected and sorted by type and color. The foundation plans to create products from this waste, such as furniture and other items, contributing to a circular economy.
Bening Saguling Foundation also focuses on sustainable practices through its circular economy initiatives. These include:
In the realm of education, the foundation has established a reading garden and a paid school program called "Sekolah Alam Tunas Inspiratif". This school, operational since 2017, allows students to pay tuition by bringing in a minimum of one kilogram of waste instead of monetary payment. This initiative not only promotes education but also encourages waste management among students.
Bening Saguling Foundation has formed partnerships with various organizations, including PT PLN Indonesia Power and PT Namasindo Plus. These collaborations have led to initiatives such as free clinics for the community, particularly benefiting waste pickers. The foundation also provides resources like boats to help local residents collect waste from the river, thereby reducing unemployment in the area.
Due to its dedication and consistent efforts, Bening Saguling Foundation received the Kalpataru Award for environmental protection from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in 2020. This award marked a significant achievement for the foundation and the Bandung Barat region.
Looking ahead, Indramawan envisions Bening Saguling Foundation evolving into a holding company with various subsidiaries focused on management, poultry farming, and professional education. The ultimate goal is to fulfill the foundation's mission of environmental preservation and community empowerment.
The Citarum River is a source of pride for West Java and Indonesia, often referred to as the lifeblood of the region. It is crucial for all of us to work together to maintain the cleanliness of the river. By refraining from littering and actively participating in cleanup efforts, we can ensure that the Citarum remains a clean and beautiful resource for future generations. Bening Saguling Foundation cannot achieve its noble mission alone; it requires collective action from the community to realize a clean and waste-free Citarum River.
