Currently, the implementation of circular economy has gained more attention in Indonesia. In fact, Indonesia has incorporated the circular economy concept into the vision and development strategy of the five priority sectors in Indonesia's 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJM). The implementation of circular economy aims to balance economic benefits with environmental sustainability.
In advancing the circular economy, Indonesia Circular Economy Consortium (KESI), affiliated with the UGM Center for World Trade Studies (CWTS) aims to boost circular economy-based SMEs, communities, and institutions based on local wisdom and knowledge. Currently, KESI has more than 20 members in Yogyakarta, Bali, and other regions in Indonesia, such as Rumijo Eco Indonesia, Sekolah Sampah Renggas Trengginas, and Sekolah Anak Sanggar Alam (SALAM). In December 2022, KESI was also actively involved in organizing the Circular Economy Expo, which was attended by more than 50 participants from industry, community, and education sectors.
After developing and strengthening the consortium network, KESI held its routine meeting on 28 January 2023, at the PSPD UGM Office in which KESI Secretariat is also located. This meeting was KESI's initial milestone in reflecting on its commitment to realizing a sustainable, circular economy for its members. In this meeting, KESI members discussed the opportunities and challenges of implementing a circular economy in various sectors, particularly in SMEs and community sectors.
As a follow-up to this discussion in the next few months, KESI will soon organize skills, management, and marketing training classes for its members, and then it will be opened for the public. This program is expected to be a key solution to the problems of MSMEs that have limited access to upgrade their skills, management, and marketing proficiency. Furthermore, this training program aims to accommodate the vast range of participants, including training that is accessible to everyone, not just to KESI members. Thus, KESI will continue to be committed to implement circular economy practice based on collaboration and empowerment for all levels of society.
