BANDUNG | INDATANEWS.COM - PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk (XLSMART) and REMIND have launched an initiative to promote more responsible disposal and recovery of electronic waste, or e-waste, through the #ByeByeBox Campus Roadshow at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). The program is also part of XLSMART's efforts to strengthen the implementation of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and sustainability principles while contributing to Indonesia's sustainable development.
XLSMART is pursuing this commitment through various approaches, ranging from the use of environmentally friendly technologies and efforts to reduce carbon emissions to e-waste management. The company is also strengthening its sustainability practices through independent assessments by CDP and Fitch Ratings ESG.
Through #ByeByeBox, XLSMART is translating this commitment into concrete action by bringing together technology, education, behavioral change and circular economy principles. The program is specifically aimed at young people and students, who have a close connection with technological development while also playing an important role in establishing new and more sustainable habits.
#ByeByeBox Offers an E-Waste Solution
#ByeByeBox is Indonesia's first e-waste Reverse Vending Machine, developed to make it easier for the public to hand over unused electronic devices through more responsible recovery and disposal channels.
Through the collaboration between
XLSMART and
REMIND, the machine serves not only as an e-waste collection point but also as an educational tool designed to raise public awareness of the importance of adopting a circular approach to electronic devices.
The Campus Roadshow runs from September 14 to September 28, 2026. XLSMART and REMIND officially opened the series on September 14, 2026, at the East Hall of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). Following the launch, both partners will continue activating #ByeByeBox at several locations across the campus through September 28, 2026.
Merza Fachys, Director & Chief Regulatory Officer of
XLSMART, said that during the first phase of the campaign, which will run through November 2026,
XLSMART and
REMIND are targeting the collection of 600 kilograms of e-waste. All collected material will be recorded and weighed to measure the overall impact of the program.
"The growth of connectivity and digital technology must go hand in hand with responsibility for addressing its environmental impact. Through #ByeByeBox, we want to make e-waste management easier, more accessible and more relevant for the younger generation. This program is part of XLSMART's journey toward building an increasingly responsible and sustainable digital ecosystem," Merza Fachys said in an official statement on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Merza explained that members of the public can use
#ByeByeBox by bringing small, unwanted electronic devices to the machine and then following the instructions displayed on the screen.
The system then scans and validates the device using a camera and artificial intelligence (AI). The machine automatically weighs the device before accepting it and recording it in the REMIND system.
The team in charge subsequently processes the collected e-waste using material recovery procedures and a more responsible management approach.
"REMIND also applies a material recovery approach and measurable impact reporting. This allows materials that still retain value to be recovered and returned to the cycle of use in accordance with circular economy principles," he said.
EASY E-WASTE MANAGEMENT: Merza Fachys, Director & Chief Regulatory Officer of
XLSMART, highlights the importance of making e-waste management simple, accessible and relevant to young people as part of efforts to build a sustainable digital ecosystem. (PHOTO: Doc.
XLSMART)
ITB Becomes Starting Point for Campus Roadshow
Muhammad Dzikri Ahira Soefihara, Founder & CEO of
REMIND, said
#ByeByeBox was developed to make access to e-waste management easier while making the process measurable. The machine's technology supports the collection, recording and recovery of materials.
"We developed #ByeByeBox to make e-waste management more accessible and measurable. The technology supports collection, recording and material recovery, allowing unused electronic devices to retain value in the next cycle of use."
Muhammad Dzikri explained that
REMIND selected
ITB as the starting point for the
#ByeByeBox Campus Roadshow because the university provides an environment where technology, science, sustainability and concrete student engagement come together.
"ITB was selected as the starting point for the #ByeByeBox Campus Roadshow because the university is a relevant place where technology, science, sustainability and concrete student engagement come together. REMIND also emerged from the ITB ecosystem, allowing the program to bring an e-waste management solution back to the next generation of students," Muhammad Dzikri said.
Prof. Dr.Eng. Ir. Syafrizal, S.T., M.T., Dean of the Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering at Institut Teknologi Bandung, said universities occupy a strategic position in promoting both new solutions and new habits that contribute to sustainability.
"Universities play an important role in developing new solutions and more sustainable habits. The presence of #ByeByeBox at ITB gives students an opportunity to better understand e-waste while also becoming directly involved in concrete action," Prof. Syafrizal said.
Prof. Syafrizal added that the program involves cross-sector collaboration, bringing together different perspectives from business, technology, academia, e-waste management and sustainable development policy.
"The program involves cross-sector collaboration between XLSMART, REMIND, the Ikatan Mahasiswa Metalurgi ITB, Institut Teknologi Bandung, GSMA and BAPPENAS. It brings together perspectives from business, technology, academia, e-waste management and sustainable development policy," Prof. Syafrizal explained.
MEASURING THE SUCCESS OF E-WASTE PROGRAMS: Nizhar Marizi, Director of Environment at the Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS), explains that the success of an e-waste program should also be measured through participation, engagement, behavioral changes and the concrete impacts of e-waste management. (PHOTO: Doc.
XLSMART)
Promoting Circular Economy and Behavioral Change
Nizhar Marizi, S.T., M.Si., Ph.D., Director of Environment at the Ministry of National Development Planning (Kementerian PPN/BAPPENAS), said the development of a circular economy requires cross-sector collaboration and public participation.
"A circular economy requires collaboration among different sectors and public participation. Initiatives such as #ByeByeBox help bring this principle closer to people's daily lives, particularly by engaging young people and leveraging technology," he said.
According to Nizhar, the success of an e-waste management program cannot be measured solely by the amount of electronic waste collected. Public participation and behavioral changes generated by the program must also be measured.
"The success of a program cannot be measured only by the amount or weight of e-waste collected, but also by the number of participants, level of engagement, behavioral changes, as well as the concrete and measurable impacts of e-waste management," Nizhar Marizi said.
During the
#ByeByeBox activation at
ITB,
XLSMART is also offering incentives to XL, AXIS and Smartfren users. Participants have the opportunity to receive additional data quotas depending on the weight of e-waste collected through the machine.
Participants who collect less than one kilogram of e-waste can receive 500 MB of data. Those collecting between 1 and 2 kilograms will receive 1 GB, while participants collecting more than 2 kilograms will receive 1.5 GB. All data bonuses are valid for one day.
Participants who do not currently use XL, AXIS or Smartfren can also receive starter packs, subject to availability during the activation period.
XLSMART's efforts to manage unused electronic devices, however, are not limited to engaging the public and students. The company also implements e-waste management within its own operations.
The company processes e-waste generated from its operational activities, including dismantled telecommunications towers, network equipment, information technology equipment, batteries and electronic assets that have reached the end of their useful life.
XLSMART works with qualified third-party providers that possess the necessary expertise to handle e-waste in accordance with applicable standards, regulations and legal requirements.
Through this approach,
XLSMART manages e-waste on two complementary levels. At the operational level, the company handles electronic waste generated by its own activities. At the societal level,
XLSMART promotes behavioral changes among individuals and communities in dealing with unused electronic devices.
This approach expands the company's sustainability strategy beyond waste management alone, positioning e-waste management as part of efforts to build a more responsible digital ecosystem. Through collaboration with REMIND and various other stakeholders, #ByeByeBox also creates opportunities for young people to learn about circular economy principles and actively participate in e-waste management.
The program at
ITB represents another step toward connecting technological development with environmental awareness. By encouraging people to dispose of unused electronic devices through appropriate channels,
XLSMART and
REMIND aim to strengthen awareness that the growth of the digital economy must be accompanied by corresponding responsibility toward the environment.
Ultimately, the success of e-waste management depends not only on the availability of appropriate collection technologies but also on people's willingness to change their habits. Therefore, education, easy access, impact measurement and cross-sector collaboration are important components in building more responsible e-waste management practices and supporting Indonesia's sustainable development. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
H. Muhammad Said Harahap | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala