For many people, plastic waste is often considered the end of a product’s lifecycle. However, from the perspective of a circular economy, this narrative changes entirely. Used plastic is not merely waste, but a valuable resource that can be processed and upgraded to create sustainable economic value.

Unfortunately, public understanding of the circular economy, especially the idea that plastic waste still holds value when properly sorted and managed is not yet widespread. In response to this challenge, Chandra Asri Group, through the Indonesia Asri campaign was present among thousands of visitors at the Jakarta Martial Arts Extravaganza (JMAE), bringing the spirit of green sports.

Through the “operasi semut” initiative and the presence of an interactive booth equipped with educational games and attractive prizes, visitors will not only watch the competition but also learn concrete steps in sorting waste as part of implementing circular economy principles. In addition, various examples of plastic waste processing innovations will be showcased, ranging from the use of plastic waste in plastic asphalt, pyrolysis oil, to other value-added solutions. This educational effort is further strengthened through responsible waste management practices in collaboration with Waste4Change.

This initiative highlights that the spirit of competition in sports can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility, while also becoming a tangible step toward a greener and more sustainable Indonesia.

Objectives

• Expanding Awareness of the Circular Economy
  To shift public perception so that plastic waste is no longer seen as the final stage of a product’s lifecycle, but rather as a resource with sustainable economic value.
• Introducing Real Product Innovations
  To showcase tangible circular economy products developed by Chandra Asri Group, demonstrating that properly sorted and managed waste can produce useful and valuable products.
• Engaging Diverse Communities
  To provide inclusive environmental education in public spaces so that sustainability messages can be accessed and understood by all groups of society, from children to sports communities.

Running is not just about the speed of your steps, but also about discipline and consistency. The same philosophy applies to environmental conservation. Amidst the rising running trend in 2025, there is a great opportunity to instill the educational message that a healthy body can never be separated from a healthy environment. The challenge lies in how to present waste sorting education, which is often considered boring, into an activity that is relevant and engaging for the younger generation.

In response to this challenge, Chandra Asri Group, through the Indonesia Asri campaign, is participating in the Jakarta Running Festival by providing an interactive educational space. We believe that the most effective education is one that involves direct experience. Therefore, the approach taken is not preachy, but instead invites visitors to play while learning about sorting and processing plastic waste.

In this Jakarta Running Festival event, visitors are invited to dive into the concept of a circular economy through plastic waste bead-stringing workshops, a visual representation that waste can transform into useful works of art. The spirit of sustainable living is also strengthened through the ‘Operasi Semut’ (Ant Operation) field action, where participants not only sort waste directly but also help educate other visitors as a form of tangible care for the Earth.

Objectives

• Increasing Circular Economy Awareness
  Educating the younger generation that plastic waste has economic value if managed with creativity and precision.

• Promoting Sustainable Living
  Educating the younger generation, especially runners, that a healthy and active lifestyle can go hand-in-hand with environmental care.

• Encouraging Real Action
  Waste management provides hands-on experience in transforming waste into art as well as the practice of sorting waste in the festival area.