Food waste up 20% during Ramadan, this is how Bank DBS Indonesia prevents it & supports food security all year round | Bahasa

Indonesia, 17 Apr 2025 - Data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry's National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN KLHK) in 2024 showed that food waste accounted for nearly half of the total amount of waste in Indonesia, at 39.6 percent. Moreover, the volume of food waste increased by around 20 percent during Ramadan last year. This figure further emphasises the urgency to tackle food waste seriously while promoting sustainable food security.


Last year, Bank DBS Indonesia together with FoodCycle Indonesia launched the ‘Food Rescue Warrior’ programme that aims to embrace hotel, restaurant and café (horeca) industry players to manage food waste more wisely so it does not end up in landfills. In addition, the programme also manages and distributes surplus edible food to vulnerable communities.


During the month of Ramadan, ‘Food Rescue Warrior’ distributed 55,466 kg of food that were reprocessed into 277,330 food packages. These included 2,540 food packages distributed to vulnerable communities in Bogor, Bekasi, Bintaro and Jagakarsa through the ‘Ramadan Berkah’ programme. The programme also rescued food items worthy of consumption, i.e. 257 kg of bread and 804 kg of vegetables, for redistribution.


Moreover, 325 kg of rice were distributed as zakat fitrah to 130 vulnerable families who have not been reached by FoodCycle Indonesia's main distribution. In addition to food aid, Bank DBS Indonesia and FoodCycle Indonesia also distributed healthy snacks, vitamins, and school supplies, as well as held play sessions and financial literacy education for elementary to high school students. The programme involved 40 Bank DBS Indonesia employees as volunteers.


Head of Group Strategic Marketing & Communications PT Bank DBS Indonesia Mona Monika  said, “We know that caring for others cannot be limited to specific moments such as Ramadan. Food security and the protection of vulnerable communities, as well as food waste prediction, are continuing responsibilities that require constant attention. Therefore, together with DBS Foundation and FoodCycle Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia is committed to continuing providing essential needs, such as food. This initiative represents Bank DBS Indonesia's third sustainability pillar, Impact Beyond Banking, underscoring our commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and communities, in line with our vision to be the ‘Best Bank for a Better World’.”


Co-founder FoodCycle Indonesia Herman Andryanto said, "We are very proud to be part of the consistent efforts made by Bank DBS Indonesia in supporting food security, especially for vulnerable communities. The programme not only helps people access and consume nutritious food but also provides them with education on the basics of financial management from an early age."


Bank DBS Indonesia’s commitment to tackling global warming and the impact of waste, especially food waste, on the environment prompted it to launch the ‘#MakanTanpaSisa’ programme in 2020. In April 2024, the programme evolved into ‘Food Rescue Warrior’ with an expanded focus on food security.


Since its launch in 2024, the Food Rescue Warrior programme has successfully rescued 257,469 kg of surplus food, which were then processed into 1,287,346 food packages and distributed to 57,048 recipients. In addition, with support from FoodCycle Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia also established and managed three urban farms, and sustainably managed 498,463 kg of food waste. This positive impact was achieved through synergy with 28 hotel partners and 56 food tenants as surplus food donors.


Regionally, in 2023, DBS Foundation announced it would allocate SGD1 billion and 1.5 million hours of employee volunteering over the next 10 years to develop programmes that focus on providing essential needs and fostering inclusion.

For more information about Food Rescue Warrior and Bank DBS Indonesia's commitment to food security, please visit https://go.dbs.com/id-tzfw.

 

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About DBS


DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.


Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.


DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.


Established in 1989 as part of the Singapore-based DBS Group, PT Bank DBS Indonesia (Bank DBS Indonesia) is one of the banks with the longest history in Asia. Currently operating 1 Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 16 Assistant Offices and 4 Functional Offices and 3,011 active employees in 15 Major Cities in Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia provides comprehensive banking services that focus on the customer experience to 'Live more, Bank less'. We also see a purpose beyond banking and are committed to supporting our customers, employees, and the community towards a sustainable future.


PT Bank DBS Indonesia is licensed and supervised by The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), and an insured member of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).


DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting businesses for impact: enterprises with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and helping them to build food resilience.


With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.



About DBS Foundation


Established in 2014, DBS Foundation is committed to uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact. It aims to bring hope to those with less today, so no one is left behind and we can all face the future with confidence.


In 2024, DBS committed up to SGD 1 billion dollars over the next decade to support vulnerable communities. It also pledged to contribute 1.5 million employee volunteer hours over the same period.


Together with an ecosystem of like-minded partners, DBS Foundation seeks to create impact that goes beyond banking, beyond borders, and beyond generations.


For more information, please visit: www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation.