EduAsiaNews, Purwokerto – The Centre for Biodiversity and Maritime Affairs of Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed) has declared its readiness to collaborate in supporting the implementation of the Smart Incentive Programme Towards Zero Plastic Waste in the coastal region of Cilacap Regency. This commitment was conveyed during a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the Deliberation of the Smart Incentive Mechanism, organised by the Cilacap Regency Government at the Bappeda Hall of Cilacap Regency, on Thursday (11/6/2026).
The FGD served as a multi-stakeholder coordination platform to strengthen efforts in reducing plastic waste through the 3R approach (reduce, reuse, recycle), supported by a smart incentive mechanism. The programme is designed to encourage behavioural change among the community, strengthen the role of waste banks, increase the engagement of the business sector, and establish a waste management system that is more measurable, participatory, and sustainable.
The Head of the Infrastructure, Regional, and Economic Affairs Division of Bappeda Cilacap Regency, Iwan Hasan Ma’arif, S.Pi., M.M., stated that waste management remains a significant challenge in Cilacap Regency.
“Among the principal issues we face are the still-limited coverage of waste management services, inadequate supporting infrastructure, and low public motivation, as waste continues to be perceived merely as something to be discarded rather than as a resource of value,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Project Manager of SOLUSI–IKI–SNV, Audrie J. Siahainenia, Ph.D., explained that the programme prioritises a smart incentive approach to strengthen 3R practices and foster broader collaboration.
“The success of this programme requires the active involvement of the government, the community, business actors, waste banks, local communities, and various strategic partners, in order to establish a sustainable waste management system,” she explained.
During the forum, the Perupadata team presented a number of planned activities to be piloted in Cilacap Regency, including coaching clinics on digital record-keeping for waste banks, the development of a digital dashboard, the production of educational content, the strengthening of the CSR Forum, a video competition themed around the 3R approach, a programme for exchanging plastic waste for fuel, and the development of smart dropboxes at strategic locations.
Representing the Centre for Biodiversity and Maritime Affairs of Unsoed, Dr. Asro Nurhabib, S.Pi., M.P., welcomed the programme positively and affirmed Unsoed’s readiness to assume a role in its implementation.
“The Smart Incentive Programme is highly relevant to efforts aimed at reducing the leakage of plastic waste into coastal and marine areas. We are prepared to collaborate through scientific studies, public education, technical assistance, and environmental monitoring in order to support the success of this programme,” he stated.
He further noted that plastic waste management is not solely concerned with terrestrial environmental cleanliness, but also bears a direct impact on the sustainability of river, coastal, and marine ecosystems, as well as biodiversity. As such, the involvement of higher education institutions is of considerable importance in strengthening the database, research, innovation, and collaborative models that can be replicated across various regions.
Through this FGD, stakeholders are expected to strengthen their synergy in building a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable plastic waste governance system. The Smart Incentive Programme is believed to constitute one of the strategic steps towards transforming the public’s perception of waste — from mere refuse to a resource possessing economic, social, and ecological value.
