Depok, 25 June 2024 – PT Garudafood Putra Putri Jaya Tbk (Garudafood), in collaboration with PT Biomagg Sinergi Internasional (Biomagg), has launched an initiative to manage organic waste utilizing the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) maggot bioconversion method with the community in Jatijajar Village, Depok City, West Java. This initiative embodies the commitment to a sustainable lifestyle and has been in progress for four months following its inauguration in February 2024 by Mujahidin (Head of Jatijajar Sub-District).
Not many people are aware of the significant benefits that maggots can offer as an effective solution for decomposing household organic waste. In fact, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae are capable of breaking down organic waste in as little as two weeks to 20 days. Initially, several residents expressed their unfamiliarity with the program when they first heard about it. However, as of June 2024, the "Household Organic Waste Management Program with the BSF Maggot Bioconversion Method," fostered by Garudafood and Biomagg, has successfully processed over 7.9 tons of household organic waste and produced 787 kilograms of maggots.
A participant of the maggot cultivation program, who also serves as the Head of the Neighborhood Association, acknowledged the positive impact of this initiative, which is the first of its kind in his neighborhood. He acknowledged the impact of the program from an environmental and economic perspective.
"I appreciate the maggot cultivation program fostered by Garudafood, as it has made maggot cultivation increasingly popular among the community. We have also experienced the benefits firsthand, both environmentally and economically," said Siti Aisyah.
Maggot cultivation not only provides a solution for processing organic waste but also offers various economic benefits. The results can be utilized as animal feed, kasgot fertilizer for plantations, aromatherapy candles (made from maggot oil), and dried maggots for ornamental fish feed. Dian Astriana (Head of Corporate Communication & External Relations at Garudafood) also expressed her support for this program.
"The Household Organic Waste Management Program utilizing the BSF Maggot Bioconversion Method, implemented by Garudafood, represents a collective effort to tackle the challenges of waste management, particularly household waste, while also promoting sustainable economic development within the Jatijajar community," said Dian Astriana (Head of Corporate Communication & External Relations at Garudafood).
"As the initiator of this program, Garudafood offers support in the form of Biobox units as a medium for maggot cultivation, maggot seeds, and intensive assistance for four months until residents become more self-sufficient in maggot cultivation," added Dian.
We hope this initiative will inspire others to create a more environmentally conscious community.
“The initiation of this program represents a new hope for the community to enhance their commitment to environmental protection and increase household income. This program can be duplicated and emulated by all parties,” said Aminudi (CEO of Biomagg).
Highlighting several key aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the "Household Organic Waste Management Program with the BSF Maggot Bioconversion Method" demonstrates Garudafood's commitment to improving waste management in urban areas and creating sustainable settlements (SDG 11). Additionally, it aims to reduce household organic waste by promoting responsible consumption and production patterns (SDG 12), while also generating additional income opportunities through waste management and maggot cultivation, thereby strengthening the local economy in the Jatijajar community (SDG 8).
This program is expected to support the local residents in Jatijajar in reducing the volume of waste that typically ends up at the landfill, where a significant portion of the waste is derived from households, predominantly organic waste, and food scraps.
From 2021 to 2024, Garudafood has successfully managed and prevented 33.49 tons of organic waste from reaching landfills, produced over 7.5 tons of BSF maggots, educated more than 60 heads of households, and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 122.24 tons of carbon dioxide.