Masohi, Central Maluku – 26 June 2025 – The Bina Karta Lestari Foundation (BINTARI), in collaboration with the Toma Majo Lease Foundation (TML), officially launched the program “Protecting Biodiversity in the Central Maluku Region through Plastic Waste Management (PLASMA-B)” today. The kick-off event was held at the Hall of the Central Maluku Regent’s Office in Masohi City, marking the start of a two-year collaborative effort to address plastic waste issues threatening marine ecosystems on Saparua and Banda Islands.
The Assistant for Development and Economic Affairs (Assistant II) of the Central Maluku Regional Secretariat, Julius Boro, representing the Regent of Central Maluku, officially opened the event. In his remarks, Julius emphasized the importance of the PLASMA-B Program as a concrete solution to plastic waste management. “This program does not only focus on waste collection and processing, but also involves education and active community participation in efforts to reduce plastic use, promote recycling, and explore other innovative solutions,” he explained. He further stressed that collaboration and community commitment are essential to creating a healthier, more sustainable environment and unlocking the economic value of waste.
The Head of the Central Maluku Environmental Agency, Hengki Tomasoa, expressed his appreciation for BINTARI’s initiative. He revealed data showing that waste generation in Central Maluku Regency reaches 158.51 tons per day, yet only around 36 tons are currently managed. “To be honest, waste management still largely means simply transferring waste to the landfill,” Hengki said. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism that the PLASMA-B project would help address the region’s significant waste management issues.
BINTARI Foundation Project Coordinator, Mega Anggraeni, explained that PLASMA-B is part of the OCEAN Program supported by UK International Development. The project aims to protect biodiversity in the Central Maluku region, which is home to endangered species such as dugongs, sea turtles, and hammerhead sharks. “The program will focus on education and waste management at the village level, as well as on establishing waste management organizations and increasing the involvement of village governments,” Mega said. The program will run until March 2027 and will cover four villages in the Banda and Saparua districts.
The PLASMA-B Program is designed around five main outputs:
- Behavior Change and Financing: Engaging households, businesses, and schools to implement behavior change strategies and financing mechanisms for waste management.
- Infrastructure and Equipment: The development and operation of waste management infrastructure and equipment in villages in accordance with the established plans.
- Organizational Capacity: Strengthening the capacity of village-level Waste Management Organizations (OPS) to implement waste management plans effectively.
- Village Regulations and Financing: Supporting village governments in developing regulations and financing mechanisms for waste management.
- Project Management and Local Partners: Project management planning and capacity building for local partners to ensure program sustainability.
The collaboration between BINTARI, which has over 30 years of experience in environmental protection, and Toma Majo Lease, a non-profit organization focused on environment and education, is expected to further strengthen efforts in waste management and marine ecosystem conservation in Central Maluku.
The BINTARI Foundation is committed to collaborating with local governments and communities to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment in Central Maluku, while protecting endangered marine species such as dugongs, sea turtles, and hammerhead sharks.