Ridwan Djamaluddin

Indonesian environmental entrepreneur revolutionizing plastic waste management through community-driven recycling initiatives

Ridwan Djamaluddin is a visionary environmental entrepreneur from Bali, Indonesia, whose innovative approach to plastic waste management has made a significant difference in combating marine pollution. Since launching EcoBali in 2020, he has developed an inclusive recycling ecosystem that empowers local communities while creating sustainable economic opportunities.

His model combines mobile recycling units with a digital platform connecting waste collectors directly to recycling facilities. This system increased plastic collection rates by 300% in Bali's coastal areas within two years. By 2023, EcoBali had processed over 10 million kilograms of plastic waste, diverting it from oceans and converting it into valuable raw materials for manufacturing industries.

Ridwan's work extends beyond Bali through partnerships with ASEAN countries. His 2022 TEDx talk Plastic Waste: From Problem to Profit inspired global replication of his model. Notable collaborations include the 2024 UN Environment Programme pilot project in the Philippines and a 2025 partnership with Singapore's National Environment Agency.