The Fill-It machine, a student-led initiative to combat plastic pollution was launched in Jakarta.
In an effort to combat plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability, a group of high school students from Jakarta has launched an innovative water refill machine at the Bundaran HI TransJakarta bus stop. The Fill-It machine, which dispenses five types of chilled beverages, is the brainchild of Ignacio Rayden Yap, a 16-year-old student at Jakarta Intercultural School, and his peers from SMKN 24 Jakarta and SMAN 53 Jakarta. This initiative, which is part of the Komib (Karya Pelajar Mengabdi Bangsa) community, aims to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles by providing commuters with an eco-friendly alternative.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
An Eco-Friendly Solution for Commuters
The Fill-It machine, located at the Bundaran HI Astra TransJakarta bus stop, offers five beverages: mineral water, ionized drinks, lemon tea, turmeric tamarind jamu, and rice kencur jamu. Prices range from Rp 6,000 to Rp 20,000, making the service both affordable and accessible. Users simply bring their own 350 ml tumbler or bottle, select their desired beverage on the machine’s touch screen, and pay via a QR code. The drink is then dispensed directly into their container.
The machine is equipped with advanced features such as UV light bacteria protection and a drying system to ensure cleanliness and convenience for users. This initiative not only quenches the thirst of commuters but also supports a green ecosystem by encouraging the reduction of plastic waste.
Government Support and Future Prospects
The Fill-It initiative has garnered significant attention and support from the Indonesian government. On August 14, 2024, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno officially launched the Fill-It machine at the Bundaran HI bus stop. Sandiaga praised the students’ creativity and innovation, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in promoting environmental sustainability and contributing to Indonesia’s goals for 2045.
“Fill-It should be supported as part of our efforts to preserve the environment and promote public transportation. It can become a transformative agent in achieving our vision for Indonesia Emas 2045,” Sandiaga stated.
A Popular Choice Among Commuters
Since its launch, the Fill-It machine has quickly become popular among commuters. The unique selection of beverages, particularly the traditional jamu drinks, has resonated well with users. According to Rayden, jamu has become the best-seller, with 15 liters often sold out in a single day. The machine’s technology allows for minimal touch interaction, ensuring beverages remain cold and fresh for up to three days.
To further promote the Fill-It machine and encourage the use of refillable containers, a special promotion is running from August 10-24, 2024. During this period, visitors can trade in 17 plastic bottles of any size for a free drink of their choice from the Fill-It machine. This campaign not only raises awareness about plastic pollution but also incentivizes the community to adopt more sustainable practices.
Rayden and his team conducted extensive surveys before designing the machine to ensure it met the needs and preferences of potential users. Their efforts have paid off, as the Fill-It machine is already making a positive impact on both commuters and the environment.
The Fill-It machine represents a significant step forward in the fight against plastic waste in Indonesia. By providing an accessible, convenient, and environmentally friendly option for commuters, this student-led initiative demonstrates how innovative thinking can drive meaningful change. With continued support from the government and the community, Fill-It has the potential to expand to other locations and further contribute to the country’s sustainability goals.
Lead image courtesy of Lo Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf RI
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