From Waste Sorting to Protecting Biodiversity, MSIG Indonesia Encourages Elementary School Students to Become Agents of Change

Jakarta, 11 August 2026 – A total of 109 fifth-grade students from SDN Jampang 01 and SDN Karang Tengah 07 in Bogor participated in Biodiversity Fun Class (BDFC) 2026, organised by PT Asuransi MSIG Indonesia (MSIG Indonesia). In collaboration with Gerakan Nasional Orang Tua Asuh (GNOTA) and Save the Children Indonesia, the programme introduced students to waste sorting as a simple step towards protecting the environment and biodiversity.

The urgency of responsible waste management is reflected in a study by the UCLA Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, as referenced in the BDFC 2026 materials. The Bantar Gebang Integrated Waste Treatment Facility is estimated to release approximately 6.3 tonnes of methane per hour, equivalent to around 55,000 tonnes annually. Methane, which can be generated when organic waste decomposes at waste disposal sites, is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and places additional pressure on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Carrying the theme “Caring for the Future” and the concept “Smart Waste, Happy Earth!”, BDFC 2026 introduced students to three basic waste categories: organic, inorganic, and residual waste. The students learned how each type of waste should be managed and how improperly managed waste can affect soil, water, animals, and humans.

“I believe this initiative is important as it helps build environmental awareness from an early age. By introducing simple habits like waste sorting, we hope students will carry these practices into their daily lives and become agents of change who inspire their families and communities to adopt more responsible environmental practices,” said Tomosuke Tsuruoka, President Director of MSIG Indonesia.

The educational materials were delivered through videos, storytelling sessions with Save the Children Indonesia, quizzes, group games, and hands-on waste-sorting activities. This interactive approach was designed to help students not only understand the subject but also apply what they learned at home and at school.

MSIG Indonesia employees also participated as volunteers to support and guide the students throughout the activities. Prior to the programme, the volunteers attended a workshop on the connection between waste sorting and biodiversity conservation, enabling them to communicate the materials in an accessible and engaging manner.

Biodiversity Fun Class was first launched in 2019 as part of MSIG Indonesia’s commitment to environmental education and biodiversity protection. As of 2026, the programme has involved 86 volunteers and reached nine public elementary schools. This year’s BDFC continues MSIG Indonesia’s efforts to introduce environmental issues to younger generations through practical and engaging learning experiences.

As part of its continued support, MSIG Indonesia also provided each school with a plastic bottle press and three waste-sorting bins to help encourage the long-term practice of proper waste sorting.

Through BDFC 2026, MSIG Indonesia encourages students to become agents of change by sorting waste according to its category and inviting their families and surrounding communities to do the same. Protecting biodiversity can begin with simple actions at home and at school.