On World Environment Day, a potent reminder of Earth’s fragility, PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BRI) reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability. Aligning with the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) 2025 theme of ‘Ending Plastic Pollution,’ BRI is actively implementing a comprehensive strategy to significantly reduce waste and emissions within its extensive operations and across local communities, directly addressing Indonesia’s critical waste management challenges.
Indonesia, according to UNEP data, stands as a major global contributor to plastic waste, grappling with an astounding 3.2 million tonnes of unmanaged refuse annually. In response to this pressing national crisis, BRI has strategically woven environmental stewardship into its core business framework through robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. A cornerstone of this commitment is the “Zero Waste to Landfill” programme, a tangible demonstration of the bank’s dedication to responsible waste management and the promotion of environmentally conscious business practices. This collaborative initiative is meticulously designed to intercept waste at its source, preventing its deposition in increasingly strained final disposal sites across the archipelago.
Throughout 2024, the “Zero Waste to Landfill” programme yielded impressive results. BRI successfully managed a substantial 703,559.9 kg of waste generated from its diverse operational activities. Crucially, 119,354.2 kg of this total comprised plastic waste, reflecting a targeted effort to tackle one of the most pervasive pollutants. These concerted efforts directly contributed to averting 524.18 tonnes of CO2e carbon emissions, significantly reducing the company’s overall carbon footprint and demonstrating a clear pathway for corporate environmental responsibility in the financial sector.
Internally, BRI is assiduously cultivating a culture of sustainability among its vast workforce. A notable example of this engagement is the strategic deployment of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) within BRI premises. This ingenious system incentivises workers to deposit plastic bottle waste by offering reward points, which are redeemable for various attractive prizes. As of June 2025, this initiative has garnered remarkable enthusiasm, collecting over 3,242 kg of plastic bottles – equivalent to an astonishing 178,720 individual plastic bottles. This collective action has prevented an estimated 17,693 kg of CO2e emissions, underscoring the powerful impact of employee participation in corporate sustainability endeavours.
Beyond its operational boundaries, BRI actively extends its green initiatives into the heart of communities through various Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programmes. A prime example is the “Yok Kita GAS” (Waste Management Movement) initiative, which has been systematically rolled out in phases from 2021 to 2025, encompassing 41 diverse locations throughout Indonesia. This impactful programme directly engages traditional market communities and their surrounding environments, establishing 36 dedicated waste bank units and developing five traditional market centres as community-based waste management hubs. This holistic approach ensures local ownership and sustainable practices at the grassroots level.
The “Yok Kita GAS” programme is further bolstered by comprehensive support, providing beneficiaries with crucial waste sorting training, essential financial literacy workshops, and institutional strengthening. Furthermore, it offers vital equipment assistance, including organic waste disbursement machines and communal maggot tubs, to facilitate community-scale waste processing. These practical interventions empower local communities to manage their waste more effectively, transforming a challenge into a resource and fostering self-sufficiency.
Agustya Hendy Bernadi, BRI Corporate Secretary, emphasised that sustainable waste management is an integral component of the bank’s overarching commitment to fostering a circular economy and embedding robust ESG principles. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts, stating, “We continue to encourage collaboration with various parties, ranging from recycling partners, workers, to the community, to strengthen efforts to manage responsible waste.” This collaborative ethos is central to addressing complex environmental challenges on a national scale.
BRI’s consistent and measurable waste management efforts align seamlessly with the spirit of World Environment Day and contribute significantly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 13: Climate Action. This strategic alignment demonstrates BRI’s proactive stance in confronting climate change, not just as a corporate responsibility, but as a societal imperative. Hendy concluded by inviting the broader community to actively participate in environmental protection, particularly in addressing the urgent plastic waste crisis. “Simple things such as reducing the use of single-use plastic, sorting out household waste, or supporting recycled products can have a big impact if done together. Let’s start with small things, for a more sustainable future of the earth,” he urged, reinforcing the idea that collective small actions can lead to monumental environmental change.
Also Read: Bengaluru Blooming Chia Scooter Highlights Green Mobility
