7 November 2025, As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening sustainability practices in higher education, UI GreenMetric hosted an Instagram Live Discussion titled “Dari Limbah Jadi Manfaat: Mewujudkan Kehidupan yang Lebih Berkelanjutan.” The conversation brought together three leading academics in Indonesia’s sustainability landscape: Prof. Dr. H. Fatah Sulaiman, S.T., M.T., Rector of Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa; Prof. Ir. Wiratni, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., IPM., Secretary of the Directorate of Partnership and Global Relations at Universitas Gadjah Mada; and Prof. Dr. Prabang Setyono, M.Si., Head of the Doctoral Program in Environmental Science at Universitas Sebelas Maret. The session was moderated by Jauzak Hussaini W., M.T., representing UI GreenMetric.
The discussion expanded the view of waste management from a purely technical issue to a strategic opportunity for universities to shape values, shift everyday habits, and build a culture of environmental responsibility. With thousands of people interacting on campus each day, the speakers noted that universities naturally become microcosms where sustainable practices can take root and eventually influence broader communities.
The discussion collectively emphasized that effective waste management in universities requires more than technological upgrades—it demands institutional commitment, human-centered approaches, and strong academic involvement. The speakers highlighted how clear policies and supportive leadership provide the structural backbone for sustainability initiatives, while awareness-building and behavioral change remain essential for ensuring that systems function in practice. They also agreed on the pivotal role of research and student participation: campuses thrive as “living laboratories” when students, lecturers, and researchers collaborate to test ideas, develop innovations, and translate academic work into real solutions. Through this synergy of leadership, culture, and academic engagement, universities are uniquely positioned to shape sustainable habits that extend well beyond campus life.
Throughout the session, the speakers shared a unified view: waste is not merely an operational challenge but a strategic opportunity to build a culture of circularity and environmental stewardship. When universities treat waste as a valuable resource rather than a burden, they can significantly reduce emissions, strengthen campus ecosystems, and inspire sustainable behavior that students will carry with them long after graduation.
This discussion reaffirms UI GreenMetric’s commitment to fostering knowledge exchange among universities and supporting stronger leadership in sustainability. By enhancing waste treatment strategies and embedding sustainability into everyday academic life, higher education institutions can amplify their influence far beyond campus boundaries.
Written by: Riska P. Hariyadi - Communication Specialist of UI GreenMetric
