We put transparency at the heart of the implementation of the village fund, and we also always involve almost all elements of society
Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalima (ANTARA) - Loa Duri Ilir village, located in Loa Janan sub-district, Kutai Kartanegara District, East Kalimantan Province, has successfully carried out its waste management program, significantly impacting the village’s economy.

The successful program has resulted in the village being named one of the 100 best villages in Indonesia, according to the Ministry of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions And Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia in 2018.

The waste management program was begun in 2015 as part of the village fund program supervised by the ministry.

The village government involved all elements of society, including the village micro enterprises, farmers’ council, youth organisation, community empowerment (LPM), Empowerment and Family Welfare (PKK), and Maternal and Child Health Services (Posyandu).

“We put transparency at the heart of the implementation of the village fund, and we also always involve almost all elements of society, even the community police officers (Bhabinkamtibmas), to ensure that the fund is evenly managed for the sake of the welfare of society,” said Fakhri Arsyad, head of the village of Loa Duri Ilir.

The society involvement resulted in many ideas, one of which was the waste management program. All of the garbage generated by the households would then be processed into useful, valued goods, such as folders, tote bags and wallets. These items are commonly sold as corporate souvenirs.

Fakhri noted that the waste management program was triggered by the high rate of dengue fever caused by the mounting waste.

“The waste drew mosquitos and flies which, in turn, caused so many illnesses, particularly dengue fever. It turned out that the management of waste not only helps clean the environment, but also creates significant livelihoods for society,” he said.

To further develop the waste management program into something more profitable for the village, the village government has built the waste bank as a trading place.

100 best villages

Due to its successfully implemented waste management program, Loa Duri Ilir village was ranked among the 100 best villages in Indonesia.

Head of the Community Empowerment and Village Government Bureau of East Province, M. Jauhar Efendi, explained that, according to the assessment by the Ministry of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions And Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia, Loa Duri Ilir ranked 43rd in the Building Villages Index (IDM), which automatically placed it among the 100 best villages.

“The village passed all measures, including healthcare services, schools, government services, and the village infrastructure, to name a few,” added Efendi.

(INE)

Translator: M. Ghofar/Gusti NC Aryani
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019