The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), received the Faculty Championing Waste Management Culture Award during the 2025 UGM Outstanding Individuals Awards Night, held at Grha Sabha Pramana on December 10, 2025. The award was presented in recognition of FKG UGM’s initiative in pioneering a waste donation program, which has since been adopted by various other faculties at UGM.
The waste donation program has been developed since 2022 through collaboration with PT Wahana Anugerah Energi (WAE). The Dean of FKG UGM, Prof. drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D., explained that the program emerged from collective concern over Yogyakarta’s waste management situation. “When the waste emergency became increasingly evident, we realized that change had to begin within our own environment. This waste donation program is not merely about collecting plastic waste, but about building a culture of waste segregation and responsibility,” he stated (11/12).
Prof. Suryono further explained that waste collected from various points within the faculty is sorted by staff into organic and non-organic categories. The non-organic waste is then processed by PT WAE and converted into economic value, with the proceeds managed by the faculty cooperative to support the welfare of FKG UGM employees.
“Through this process, non-organic waste can be recycled and provide tangible benefits for FKG staff,” he added.
In addition to the waste donation program, FKG UGM also organized waste management training following the issuance of a circular letter by the Special Region of Yogyakarta Government regarding the closure of the Piyungan Regional Landfill in July 2023. The training was attended by 60 participants from hospitals, community health centers (puskesmas), clinics, and several Islamic boarding schools across the region.
The award serves as recognition of FKG UGM’s commitment and consistency in promoting a sustainable waste management culture and strengthening programs that encourage active participation from the entire academic community.
Author and Photographer: Fajar Budi H.
