Stories from Kembangan, Jakarta
On Monday, April 13, 2026, in the Daan Mogot area of Jakarta, a significant meeting took place among key figures in the community. Attendees included Father Ch. Kristiono Puspo, S. J., from ATMI Recycle Studio (ARS); Mrs. Monica Aryasetiawan, Director of Canon at PT Datascrip; Father Adrianus Suyadi, S. J., from the Dharma Institute of the Archdiocese of Jakarta; and their respective teams. This meeting marked the start of a collaborative effort to address plastic waste and create educational opportunities for underprivileged families.
During a friendly lunch, the participants discussed technical aspects and exchanged ideas for their joint efforts. Afterward, they visited the LDD KAJ (societal service of the Jakarta Archdiocese) foster village in Kembangan District, West Jakarta, where they were welcomed by community members who were familiar with the LDD team and their ongoing relationship. The group then transported folding tables made from recycled plastic waste, created by ARS, to a location known as “Grandma’s House.”
At “Grandma’s House,” children eagerly awaited their arrival. The folding tables brought excitement and promise for the children’s daily activities. The handover ceremony, led by Kak Dita from LDD KAJ, featured remarks from Ms. Aryasetiawan, who highlighted Canon PT Datascrip’s dedication to managing plastic waste properly and expressed hope that the tables would enhance the children’s learning environment.
Father Ch. Kristiono Puspo, S. J., encouraged children to change their view on waste by collecting plastic waste, especially bottle caps, to create something useful. This encouragement was meant to educate them and help them see the value in things often seen as insignificant. Father Adrianus Suyadi, S. J., expressed hope that the facilities provided would boost the children’s enthusiasm for learning and highlighted the importance of community support in their growth. He shared that every small action contributes to a larger impact.
After the ceremony, representatives from ARS, Canon PT Datascrip, and LDD KAJ engaged in discussions, generating new ideas for collaborations that could reach more people. The atmosphere suggested optimism, reflected shared experiences from the event, and indicated that this activity was part of a broader, ongoing effort rather than a one-time event. There was an understanding that more could be done to further improve the situation, with the small steps taken in Kembangan potentially igniting further action.
Mr. Leon, a staff member at ATMI Recycle Studio, explained the process behind the folding tables received, noting that ATMI students were involved in making them. This process provided both technical knowledge and a lesson in social and environmental awareness. Each table represents time and effort, evoking emotions of pride when used by the children. The transformation of trash into useful tools illustrates that even small projects can make a significant difference.
The event in Kembangan symbolized collaboration and care, with the folding tables serving as recycled products embodying the collective effort of various parties. It demonstrated that meaningful change could arise from simple, shared actions. The experience reminded everyone that hope can emerge from unexpected places, affirming that caring actions can bring hopes to life.
Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam.
