Wahyu Budiarto, Chevron Indonesia Country Manager discussed with one of the exhibition participants on their ecobrick table creations

To raise awareness among the younger generation, especially high school/vocational students, about the importance of sorting and recycling waste, YCAB Foundation in collaboration with Chevron launched the Recycling Project through the Sustainable Youth Empowerment Program (SYEP) in 2024. This program aligns with the "Indonesia Free from Waste 2025" initiative and includes various educational activities such as training and campaigns aimed at preparing the younger generation to become pioneers in effective waste management.

"This program highlights the crucial role of youth in environmental conservation. Through training and recycling practices, we hope this generation can continue to inspire change in their communities. We greatly appreciate and continuously support the contributions of the private sector, such as Chevron. Together, we are preparing a generation that will keep our planet habitable and sustainable," said Veronica Colondam, Founder and CEO of YCAB Foundation.

Wahyu Budiarto, Country Manager of Chevron Indonesia, stated, "Chevron is very concerned about environmental protection. As a company that has been in Indonesia for 100 years, Chevron strives to preserve the environment through various initiatives. One concrete step is collaborating with YCAB in an educational program for the younger generation about the importance of waste management and recycling to protect the environment. This collaboration also aligns with our efforts to create a positive impact in society by introducing early awareness and better waste management principles, which can serve as a foundation for the younger generation in building a better and broader environment in the future."

The program has successfully involved hundreds of students as well as dozens of teachers and school staff, providing education on good waste management systems, such as sorting waste, processing organic waste, and encouraging creativity in producing recycled products. Some students have even managed to create reusable products with market value, supporting their entrepreneurial skills

At the program's conclusion, participants from SMKN 32 Jakarta and SMAN 97 Jakarta held a competition and exhibition of crafts made from used materials. The increase in utility and added economic value of used materials is what this Sustainable Youth Empowerment Program aims to promote.

The competition winners were:

• First place: Team ASSCA from SMAN 97 Jakarta with their Eco Chop Board, an innovative cutting board made from used plastic bottle caps.
• Second place: Team Youth Fortunability from SMAN 97 Jakarta with their Green Wash Bottle Soap, which combines the functions of shampoo and soap, where the shampoo bottle can be turned into soap after its contents are used up. This concept allows users to reuse the container, thus reducing plastic waste and supporting environmental sustainability.
• Third place: Team Sustainable Brick Builder from SMAN 97 Jakarta with their Ecobrick garden chairs and tables, a recycling method involving filling used plastic bottles with non-biodegradable plastic waste. Favorite project: "Outer" by Team YSL from SMKN 32 Jakarta, which recycles used fabric into outerwear.