Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
Your industry news - first
The original and best - for over 20 years!
We strongly recommend viewing Cleanzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.
Moses Mayer, the honours student dedicated to cleaning up Indonesia
Currently in the 12th Grade of the Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), Moses Mayer has earned several international accolades and awards while representing his home country of Indonesia in global competitions. He has also developed a smartphone application called SampahLink (TrashLink) which connects households with rubbish collectors.
With the app, he hopes to improve the welfare of scavengers by also giving them access to microfinancing that will help them purchase the necessary tools for their grueling job and participate in training programs.
Moses's love for mathematics inspired him to tackle the growing trash crisis in Indonesia's large cities. In a research paper titled 'On the Game-Theoretics Model of Indonesia's Pollution State'," he used the study of mathematical models called Game Theory to create a formula aimed at controlling the waste problem.
"I often see scavengers going through trash on the side of the road, searching for recyclable materials they can sell. But so many people -- especially households -- often wonder how they can get rid of their dry waste," he says.
"This is where I got the idea for SampahLink, which connects trash collectors with people looking to dispose of their dry waste. This is done through a smartphone app that can benefit both sides and improve the welfare of scavengers."
Through SampahLink, Moses hopes to reduce pollution, raise awareness about the importance of recycling, and create a better life for trash collectors -- a marginalised group that is often ignored.
And to jumpstart this ambitious endeavor, he plans to develop a career overseas, gain more experience in the field, and connect with international networks.
"I hope to bring these connections back so they can help boost the Indonesian economy. And of course, I will use my skills and knowledge of data science, mathematics, and computer science to tackle various social problems," he explains.
He adds that his ultimate dream is to serve his home country as a successful social entrepreneur and "play a part in improving living standards across Indonesia".
Image courtesy of Tribun News
25th April 2019