Press Release

Tanjung Enim, March 13, 2026 – PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk (PTBA) continues to strengthen its commitment to becoming a world-class energy company that cares for environmental sustainability.

As part of its efforts to address the challenge of single-use plastic waste, PTBA is promoting the implementation of a circular economy through the utilization of digital-based waste management technology. One of these concrete initiatives is realized through the launch of a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) under the campaign “Waste Becomes a Blessing, Bottles Become Rupiah.”

PTBA’s General Services Department Head, Renny Tri Miranti, stated that the program is part of the company’s effort to introduce innovative solutions for plastic waste management while also raising environmental awareness among employees and the community.

“The RVM program is not merely a waste collection facility, but a tangible manifestation of PTBA’s commitment to supporting the Corporate Environmental Performance Rating Program (PROPER) assessment as well as the company’s sustainability reporting,” she explained.

She added that five Reverse Vending Machine units have been installed across several locations, including PTBA’s mining and non-mining office areas, the Tanah Putih residential area, and several other public facilities.

Through a waste segregation system at the source, PTBA encourages employees and the community to adopt more responsible environmental behavior. Every plastic bottle inserted into the machine will be digitally recorded and automatically converted into points as a form of appreciation for participation in protecting the environment.

To use the Reverse Vending Machine, users simply need to ensure that the plastic bottles are empty, contain no liquid, and still have their labels attached so the identification process can run optimally. Users can then approach the machine, press the start button on the screen, and insert plastic bottles one by one into the intake slot. The machine will automatically scan and identify each bottle. When the indicator light turns green, it means the bottle has been accepted by the system.

Each accepted bottle will be automatically counted and processed by the machine, which is equipped with an automatic conversion system that turns the bottles into points. After finishing the deposit, users can press the claim points button and scan the QR code displayed on the screen using their Plasticpay account. The points earned will then be automatically added to the user’s account.

All bottles deposited through the RVM will be recorded in the system as a tangible contribution to reducing plastic waste. The data is stored transparently and can be tracked as part of measurable environmental impact.

Furthermore, the plastic collected through the RVM will be gradually processed through a responsible and measurable recycling system. The material will be reprocessed into raw materials that can be utilized to produce various useful products for everyday needs.

Through this initiative, PTBA hopes that every bottle deposited will help reduce plastic waste generated within the company’s operational areas while also fostering a culture of environmental awareness in the community.

“PTBA invites all employees and the community to become pioneers of future technology in creating cleaner, more orderly, and sustainable waste management,” Renny concluded.