Yogyakarta – The Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a Sharing Session on Waste Management on Saturday (September 27, 2025) at the Herman Johannes Auditorium, 7th Floor, FMIPA UGM. The event was attended by undergraduate students from the 2022–2024 cohorts enrolled in Selected Topics in Applied Mathematics, Introduction to Mathematical Modeling, and Linear Programming courses.
The session began with opening remarks by Dr. Dwi Ertiningsih, S.Si., M.Si., Head of the Applied Mathematics Laboratory, FMIPA UGM. She expressed her appreciation for the students’ enthusiasm, noting that 80% attended in person. According to her, this event was initiated by the Dean of FMIPA as part of implementing Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Dr. Ertiningsih stated that the Department of Mathematics has become a pioneer in adopting this concept within FMIPA, with the hope that students can apply mathematics to real-world solutions—such as analyzing waste generation trends and optimizing waste collection routes.
The first session featured Walyono, S.T., M.Eng., Head of the Subdirectorate of Facilities and Infrastructure Maintenance, Directorate of Assets UGM, moderated by Dr. Solikhatun, M.Si. He discussed UGM’s waste management policy transformation following the closure of the Piyungan Waste Processing Site (TPST) in 2024. Based on UGM Rector’s Circular No. 9034/UN1.P/OT.01.03/2024, all members of the UGM community are required to sort waste into three categories: organic, recyclable, and residual.
“The average waste generation at UGM reaches around 4.7 tons per day,” he noted. The data are recorded through the Waste Management Information System (SIPS), and unsorted waste is strictly sanctioned by being left uncollected.
The second session presented Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., a member of the Organic Waste Management Task Force, Faculty of Biology UGM, with Dr. Dwi Ertiningsih as moderator. She introduced the Faculty of Biology as a model for “Zero Waste Integrated Waste Management.” Dr. Siswanti shared her research and development in biofertilizer since 2010, which has resulted in several products such as Bioferti-POC, Bioferti Leaf Compost, and Eco Enzyme, as well as a new probiotic to accelerate the fermentation of organic waste. These innovations have been implemented not only within the university but also in collaboration with external partners, including RSA UGM and PT TWC Borobudur.
Participants were also assigned to analyze the composting process using bacterial agents and evaluate its impact on accelerating organic waste decomposition. This initiative reflects cross-sector collaboration between the university and its partners in promoting sustainable waste management practices.
Through this event, the Department of Mathematics, FMIPA UGM, reaffirms its commitment to fostering academic engagement in sustainable waste management and strengthening UGM’s role as a living laboratory for research and innovation in environmentally responsible waste solutions.
Keywords: Sustainable Waste Management, Zero Waste UGM, Environmental Mathematics Application
Author: Shafira Fauzia Untsa
Photo: Iin Nauli Rahmawati