16-12-2023 (JAKARTA) In the heart of Jakarta, Rendria Labde, known locally as the ‘fly guy,’ is leading a unique initiative to combat the city’s escalating waste crisis. Labde’s Magalarva, a maggot farm, is not just an innovative venture but a response to the urgent battle against the mounting food waste threatening to overflow from the Bantar Gebang landfill in Bekasi, a satellite city near Jakarta.
Labde’s journey began in 2016 when he traced his own trash trail to the colossal Bantar Gebang landfill, an eye-opening experience that propelled him into action. Recognizing the inadequacies of Jakarta’s waste management infrastructure amidst the city’s booming population and prosperity, Labde founded Magalarva in 2018.
The concept is simple yet impactful. Magalarva collects five to six tonnes of food waste daily, sourced from various contributors, including a major milk producer, waste collection businesses, scavenger sites, a large wet market, and 200 households. The collected waste undergoes a meticulous sorting process at Magalarva’s facility, becoming a vital feed source for black soldier fly larvae.
The bioconversion process transforms the discarded food into a high-protein body mass of larvae and organic fertilizers. Currently producing approximately 250kg of dried larvae per day, Magalarva has become a key player in repurposing waste that would otherwise contribute to Jakarta’s swelling landfill crisis.
Bantar Gebang, in operation since 1989, spans over 81 hectares and stands as Southeast Asia’s largest landfill, receiving about 90% of Jakarta’s waste. With 100 bulldozers and 800 workers managing the site, it faces challenges such as fires during the dry season and the risk of reaching maximum capacity within two years.
As Jakarta grapples with waste-related issues exacerbated by its rapid growth, informal scavengers play a crucial role in waste management. However, challenges persist, including lax law enforcement, a lack of public-private partnerships, and insufficient financing for responsible waste management.
The government’s ban on single-use plastic bags in malls and markets faces enforcement challenges, reflecting a broader issue of waste mismanagement. In 2018, Indonesia generated 65.79 million tonnes of waste, with food waste accounting for 44%. However, only 12% of the managed waste was recycled.
Labde’s Magalarva initiative aims to address these challenges by providing a sustainable solution to repurpose food waste. Despite facing hurdles, including relocations due to odor complaints, Magalarva continues to thrive at its current site, catering to the demand for its high-protein animal feed ingredient.
Labde envisions expansion for Magalarva, expressing gratitude for the black soldier flies that play a crucial role in the circle of life, processing waste and contributing to a more sustainable future for Jakarta.
In a city grappling with waste mismanagement, Magalarva stands as a testament to the transformative potential of innovative approaches in addressing environmental challenges and creating a circular economy.
