Together for Others: JCI Srikandi, PT. UPPcycle Sustainindo Perkasa, and UKWMS Provide Healthcare Services for Waste Pickers in Gresik and Sidoarjo
SIDOARJO – With a spirit of collaboration and compassion, JCI Srikandi, together with PT. UPPcycle Sustainindo Perkasa (USP) and Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya (UKWMS), went directly to the field to provide healthcare and educational services for waste pickers in the TPA Ngipik (Gresik) and TPA Jabon (Sidoarjo) areas. These activities are part of the Beiersdorf’s Women in Circularity Program.
Held on October 23–24, 2025, this activity was a tangible form of cross-sector concern, bringing hope, knowledge, and positive change to communities rarely reached by medical services.
During the two-day program, the team not only offered free medical services but also took the first steps toward sustainable community empowerment around the landfill areas.
“We hope this program marks the beginning of real change—where waste pickers not only receive medical services but also have the opportunity to live more decently and independently,” said Hillary Liem, Project Director and 2025 Vice President of JCI Srikandi.
The medical team and volunteers provided free health checks for landfill workers, including blood sugar, uric acid, cholesterol, and Hepatitis B tests. The results were immediately explained by the doctors, followed by consultation and medication based on participants’ needs.
“Many of them have never undergone routine check-ups, so activities like this are essential for early detection of disease risks and basic health education,” said Dr. Kevin Samsudin from Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya.
In addition to medical examinations, doctors and UKWMS students also provided education about the importance of Hepatitis B and Tetanus vaccines. Through warm discussion sessions, the waste pickers were encouraged to understand that vaccination helps protect themselves, their families, and their future.
This program is part of a broader project focused on improving the quality of life for communities living around the landfill. Beyond healthcare, the project will also include infrastructure development, education for children, and empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help the community become more self-sufficient.
“The message from the waste pickers is very clear—they don’t want temporary help that comes and goes, but continuous support. This is also our commitment at USP: to consistently create programs that grow together with the landfill communities,” said Boby Setiawan, President Director of PT. UPPcycle Sustainindo Perkasa.
As an organization driven by women, JCI Srikandi also carries an important message: ‘women supporting women.’ Catherine Wijaya, 2025 Local President of JCI Srikandi, said, “We believe that when women support each other, great change can happen. We see how the mothers in these landfill communities are the backbone of their families—and together, we can help them become even more empowered.”
This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Boby, who emphasized the vital role of women, both as volunteers and as mothers in the landfill communities, as the key strength of family and social transformation. He also expressed his hope that similar programs can be expanded to other regions in Indonesia, so that more women and families can feel the positive impact. Through this initiative, empowered women can empower others.
The activities in Gresik and Sidoarjo mark just the beginning of a long journey. It is hoped that this spirit will continue to spread to other regions in Indonesia. With sincere intention and cross-sector collaboration, JCI Srikandi, PT. USP, and UKWMS believe that great change always begins with small steps taken together.
