From Repugnance to Revenue: The Circular Economy Success of PrabumaGGot

Elman Saheri •

Prabumulih, South Sumatra — In the quiet sub-district of Karang Jaya, East Prabumulih, a transformation is taking place that challenges conventional notions of value. Elman Saheri, a 43-year-old rubber farmer, has looked beyond his traditional trade to discover economic potential in what society typically discards: organic waste. The initiative was born from a convergence of environmental necessity and economic ambition. Motivated by a desire to supplement his family's income and address the accumulation of organic refuse—which often causes foul odors and discomfort—Elman Saheri co-founded "PrabumaGGot" on October 16, 2021. He was not alone in this endeavor. The founding team includes Syamsul Asinar Radjam, the Chairperson, who brings experience in national agroecology and education from the Asian Rural Institute in Japan, and Triyatno Soleh, the Treasurer, a dedicated social and environmental activist active in local waste management. The core of their business is the cultivation of Hermetia illucens, commonly known as the Black Soldier Fly (BSF). The larvae, or maggots, serve as highly effective agents for decomposing organic waste and provide a high-protein source for animal feed.   Despite the biological benefits, the founders faced a significant psychological hurdle: the public's inherent revulsion toward maggots, which are traditionally associated with trash and squalor. However, the team distinguished the BSF from common houseflies, noting that BSF does not alight on human food or carry disease. Armed with scientific knowledge, courage, and perseverance, they successfully transformed a source of disgust into a viable economic commodity. PrabumaGGot’s journey began modestly, selling fresh maggots to friends and neighbors primarily for use as fishing bait, priced at Rp 5,000 per 100 grams. However, as the business matured, the team recognized the need to innovate to capture a broader market, including livestock breeders. This led to the development of "Crispy Maggot," a processed product designed to halt the larvae's growth cycle and extend shelf life while maintaining nutritional value. This value-added product now retails for Rp 15,000 per 100 grams.   Furthermore, the operation adheres to a zero-waste philosophy. The cultivation process yields by-products such as "Kasgot" (maggot residue), sold for Rp 10,000 per 250 grams, and liquid organic fertilizer (POC/Lindi), priced at Rp 15,000 per 600ml, both of which serve as effective agricultural fertilizers. What began as a small-scale experiment has evolved into a robust organization managed by seven individuals. PrabumaGGot has expanded its reach beyond sales, utilizing social media platforms like Instagram for marketing and actively engaging in community education regarding maggot cultivation.   The group has also established strategic collaborations with key stakeholders, including the Prabumulih Environment Agency (Dinas Lingkungan Hidup) and TaniSani Prabumulih. Elman Saheri emphasizes that this growth is the result of mutual trust and support from family, friends, and the community. Looking forward, Elman hopes that PrabumaGGot will continue to thrive, providing a sustainable solution to the organic waste crisis while uplifting the local economy. The success story of Elman Saheri and his colleagues serves as a powerful inspiration: with hard work, knowledge, and collaboration, even the most unappealing materials can be transformed into something of immense value.

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