Macca Student Visit Explores SWSC Unismuh Waste Management Innovation

UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR— Participants of MACCA #8 2026 from two countries, namely Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Thaksin State University Thailand, and Universiti Sains Malaysia, attended a workshop on sustainable waste management innovations developed by the Sustainable Waste Solutions Center (SWSC) of Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

This educational activity facilitated by SWSC Unismuh Makassar served as a learning space for integrated waste management.

During the visit, 15 international students were introduced to waste management practices, starting from source separation, organic waste processing, to the reuse of inorganic waste through a circular economy approach. Participants also had the opportunity to see the waste management facilities managed by SWSC Unismuh Makassar firsthand.

Head of SWSC Unismuh Makassar Dr. Fatmawati A. Mappasere, M.Si., stated that education on waste management is crucial for broadening public awareness, especially among the younger generation.

“Waste management must begin at the source. Every individual plays a vital role in sorting, reducing, and reusing waste to prevent it from becoming an environmental burden,” said Fatmawati.

According to her, waste issues are not merely about environmental cleanliness. Sustainable management also requires behavioral changes and collective awareness so that waste can be handled more responsibly.

During the event, Macca Student Visit participants were introduced to several SWSC programs, including waste sorting systems, Bank Sampah (Community Recycling Bank) management, the conversion of organic waste into compost, and waste utilization innovations developed within the campus environment.

Participants not only received a material presentation but also saw the waste management facilities firsthand. This experience provided a practical overview of how to apply the reduce, reuse, recycle (3R) principles in daily life.

Dr. Fatmawati, accompanied by Sahlan, SP., M.Si., and Wardah, S.Sos., M.A., stated that this international and educational visit represents a form of cooperation that is not only oriented toward academic aspects but also the strengthening of sustainability values.

“Through this MACCA program, we hope participants will not only get to know Unismuh Makassar as an educational institution but also see the various innovations developed by the university, including in the fields of environment and sustainability,” said Fatmawati.

According to Fatmawati, inter-unit collaboration within Unismuh Makassar is a strategic step to provide a broader learning experience for visiting participants.

The activity is expected to encourage participants to apply more responsible waste management practices in their respective environments. The collaboration between SWSC and LKUI also strengthens Unismuh Makassar's commitment to supporting sustainable development through education, cooperation, and environmental innovation.

Through SWSC, Unismuh Makassar continues to foster the development of a green campus ecosystem. This effort is not only directed toward waste reduction but also toward shifting perspectives to view waste as a manageable resource with beneficial value.

"