JAKARTA — Have you ever imagined turning empty plastic bottles or food leftovers into something valuable and useful? At SMPN 136, this is not just imagination, but a real action to protect the environment. In line with local government rules on waste management, SMPN 136 has just successfully held an innovative Project-Based Learning (PJBL) program themed “Being Smart and Wise in Sorting Waste.”
This fun and educational activity ran for about two weeks, starting from Tuesday, August 18, 2026, and reaching its peak today, Friday, August 28, 2026.
- Diving into the World of Waste Through Real Action
During the program, students didn’t just sit in class listening to theories. They were invited to jump right in to recognize and analyze organic and inorganic waste. The learning process was made very interesting, starting from diagnostic tests, making educational posters about applying 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), to practicing how to throw away trash properly.
The most awaited part that really sparked the students’ enthusiasm was the waste processing challenge. For organic waste, students were challenged to make eco-friendly products like compost, eco-enzyme, and biopore.
Meanwhile, for inorganic waste, the students’ creativity was truly tested to turn waste into useful items. Who would have thought that a 15-liter water bottle could be transformed into a categorized trash can (organic, inorganic, and residue) that is very useful for school practice. Not stopping there, 1.5-liter bottles were turned into beautiful flower pots, old newspapers and magazines became aesthetic pencil cases, and used cardboard was made into neat, multi-purpose organizers.
- The Peak Celebration: The Masterpiece Festival
All the hard work, teamwork, and limitless creativity of the students led to the Masterpiece Festival. After dedicating time to design an educational campaign strategy and set up exhibition booths, the students proudly presented their recycled products to everyone in the school on the peak day of the festival. The festival was filled with amazement at how used items were innovated to have new functions.
- More Than Just a Celebration, It’s About Legacy
What makes the SMPN 136 PJBL program so great is its commitment to sustainability. This educational program did not just fade away after the festival ended. As a strategic step, the school crowned “Waste Sorting Ambassadors” chosen from the two best student representatives in each grade (grades 7, 8, and 9).
These Waste Sorting Ambassadors have a noble duty. They will be on the front lines for the school to speak up about the importance of caring for the environment, educate fellow students to be aware of waste, and ensure that waste sorting practices at school are carried out with discipline.
As a touching and meaningful closing, the peak event featured a joint commitment signing by the entire school community. This step of designing an agreement and commitment to waste management serves as a real promise that cleanliness and environmental care are responsibilities we must carry together.
SMPN 136 has proven that from small steps and innovations in waste sorting, we can create a big wave of change for a better earth. Let’s be wise in sorting waste, starting from ourselves, starting right now!
Writer: Lidiawati
Editor: Yazid Mahendra
