By Frederick Christopher – Development Advisor, Ocean Integrity

Seven years ago, a young man in Jakarta pushed a simple cart through the streets at night. With no resources and little opportunity, he survived by collecting discarded plastic bottles from rubbish bins and street corners. He would twist off the caps, flatten the bottles, and bundle them into bales to sell for a small sum. It was tough work, but he did it with energy, determination, and a smile that never seemed to fade.

One evening, he met Captain Kieran Kelly, founder of Ocean Integrity. Kieran immediately noticed the young man’s drive and optimism. Despite having almost nothing, he carried himself with hope. With a little support and guidance, his life began to change.

Today, that same young man runs his own small recycling factory in Jakarta. He employs around ten people, many of them former collectors like he once was. Local bottle collectors now bring their plastic to him, where he sorts, removes the caps, and uses machines to crush and bale the bottles. Trucks arrive to transport the bales to recycling centers, where they are processed and given a second life.

This work has transformed not just his livelihood, but his entire life. He now has a young family, a comfortable home, and a secure future. What began with a cart and a dream has grown into a small business that supports others and contributes to cleaning the environment.

Stories like his remind us of what’s possible in the recycling world. With vision, hard work, and the right support, lives can be rebuilt, families can thrive, and communities can grow stronger. In Indonesia and beyond, these are the real human stories behind the fight against plastic pollution, proof that when waste is seen as opportunity, people can rise from nothing to build a better future.