The Minister of the Environment Inaugurates 275 ULM Students as Waste Sorting Activists, Launches the “Campus Waste, Finished on Campus” Movement

Banjarbaru – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) reaffirmed its role as an impactful campus through strategic collaboration with the government in the environmental sector. This was marked by the presence of the Indonesian Minister of the Environment, Dr. Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, S.Hut., M.P., at ULM’s 129th Graduation Ceremony, as well as the launch of the “Campus Waste, Finished on Campus” program and the inauguration of 275 Student Waste Sorting Activists on Thursday (April 9, 2026).

Together with the Rector and the Chair of the Senate, this program launch event marked a significant milestone in strengthening ULM’s commitment to sustainable waste management based on the participation of the academic community. Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmad Alim Bachri, S.E., M.Si., stated that the inauguration of student waste sorting activists was the first step in building a collective movement on campus.

“We have appointed 275 students from all faculties as waste sorting activists. This is the initial capital to build a culture of sustainable waste management, not only on campus but also in the community,” he said.

He emphasized that ULM will continue to expand this initiative to the study program level to strengthen internal synergy and ensure a broader impact.

“We are committed to encouraging innovation and the implementation of research-based waste management so that ULM truly becomes an impactful campus, especially in addressing environmental issues,” he added.

Following the launch, the Minister of Environment and his entourage inspected the residual plastic waste melting reactor at ULM’s Faculty of Engineering, an innovation resulting from ULM researchers’ research and has been patented.

The Head of LPPM ULM, Prof. Sunardi, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., explained that this technology can process residual plastic waste—which has no economic value—into a composite material called ecowood.

“Through a temperature-controlled melting process, residual plastic waste can be converted into high-quality composite products with economic value. One ton of waste can produce up to one cubic meter of ecowood with a competitive selling price,” he explained.

He added that this innovation has been in development for four years, patented under the name of ULM, and is now beginning mass production through partners.

In response, the Minister of Environment expressed his appreciation for ULM’s initiative in initiating the waste sorting movement and developing waste processing technology.

“The ‘Campus Waste, Finished on Campus’ movement is a strategic step in building a culture of waste management from the source. Campuses play a crucial role in fostering sustainable environmental awareness,” he said.

He also emphasized that waste management requires long-term commitment and strong leadership support.

Through this collaboration, Lambung Mangkurat University serves not only as an educational institution but also as a center for innovation and solutions to address environmental challenges, while strengthening its position as a pioneering green campus in Indonesia.