Rafa Jafar, the Young Activist Behind the E-Waste Movement

Rafa Jafar, often called RJ, is a student at SMP Labschool Kebayoran Baru in South Jakarta. At a young age, RJ has already made a name for himself as a passionate environmental activist, focusing on the dangers of electronic waste, or e-waste. His journey began when he was just 12 years old, and today, he continues to inspire others through education and action.

RJ first became interested in e-waste when he was assigned a school project about gadget overuse in 5th grade at SD Cikal. Unlike others, he decided to explore what happens to unused gadgets after they break or become outdated. That curiosity turned into a mission to raise awareness and encourage better e-waste management.

The Birth of a Movement: Dropbox E-Waste

As a result of his research, RJ created a unique project called Dropbox E-Waste. This initiative provides special bins for electronic waste, ensuring these items are recycled properly instead of ending up in regular trash bins. RJ believes that safe disposal is crucial, especially because items like batteries contain hazardous substances such as mercury.

He placed these dropboxes in several schools and institutions, including:

SD Cikal
SMP Labschool Kebayoran Baru
Sekolah Tunas Muda
Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia (FKM UI)
Kowani, Jalan Imam Bonjol, Menteng

In addition, RJ takes mobile dropboxes with him during school visits and exhibitions to encourage more students to participate.

From School Report to Published Book

RJ’s passion led him to write a 40-page report in English about e-waste for his school project. With support from his grandfather, M Jafar Hafsah, and his mother, Farahdhiba Tenrilemba, he translated and expanded the report into a children’s science book titled “E-Waste: Sampah Elektronik”, published by Penerbit Buah Hati in April 2015.

“I published the book when I was 12 years old,” said RJ. “The e-waste movement started shortly after, around the time I turned 13.”

Campaigning for Awareness

RJ continues to actively speak about the dangers of e-waste to both children and adults. He emphasizes that batteries are among the most dangerous types of waste because of their toxic content. According to RJ, a single household can own up to 80 gadgets, including small items like chargers and cables.

RJ also gives simple yet impactful tips:

Use gadgets for as long as possible.
Repair them instead of throwing them away.
Avoid buying multiple gadgets at once.

“Don’t throw old phones or batteries into regular trash bins. Use the e-waste dropbox instead,” he urges.

Partnering for Proper Recycling

To ensure the collected e-waste is recycled safely, RJ and his mother partnered with PT TESS-AMM Indonesia, an e-waste recycling company headquartered in Singapore. When the bins are full, they contact the company to collect the waste using a special truck.

“This is a social movement. The goal is to raise awareness. Right now, not enough people care about e-waste,” added his mother.

Key Highlights of RJ’s Initiative

Started his e-waste campaign at just 12 years old.
Published a science book to educate young readers.
Created Dropbox E-Waste bins for safe disposal.
Partnered with a professional recycling company.
Represented Indonesia as a child ambassador at the UN Climate Change Conference in Morocco, 2016.

Rafa Jafar proves that age is no barrier to making a difference. Through his passion and dedication, he’s inspiring a generation to think twice before tossing away their electronics.

Follow his journey: @ewasterj on Instagram