UNAIR NEWS – Holding a top leadership role in a major corporation hasn’t diminished Edi Priyanto SKM MM’s deep commitment to environmental issues. A graduate of Universitas Airlangga’s (UNAIR) Faculty of Public Health (FKM), Priyanto currently serves as the Human Resources Director of PT Pelindo Multi Terminal. At the same time, he is the founder of the Waste Education Village (Kampung Edukasi Sampah/KES), located in Sidoarjo. The initiative has become a national and even international reference point for household waste management education.
Priyanto’s successful corporate career didn’t happen overnight—nor did his environmental concern emerge suddenly. Both were shaped during his time as a student at FKM UNAIR. While enrolled in the university’s extension program specializing in Occupational Health and Safety (K3), Priyanto worked full-time during the day and attended classes in the evening. He graduated in 2002.
That rigorous schedule taught him discipline, resilience, and strong time management. “To me, Universitas Airlangga was more than just a place for academic learning—it was a life laboratory,” he said.
As a student, Priyanto actively participated in discussions, group work, and organizational activities. He believes that student organizations helped sharpen his leadership skills, teamwork, intercultural communication, and decision-making under pressure. “Those experiences have proven to be essential throughout my leadership journey and professional career,” he added.
Professional journey at Pelindo
Priyanto began his career as a staff member in the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) division. Over time, he rose through the ranks—first as supervisor, then assistant manager, manager, vice president, and eventually senior vice president. During the merger of four state-owned port enterprises into the unified Pelindo, he was appointed Director of Human Resources at PT Pelabuhan Indonesia III (Persero).
“In every assignment, I was entrusted with responsibilities in new and different areas. This challenged me to adapt quickly and adopt a more strategic leadership style,” he explained.
He notes that one of today’s biggest HR challenges is transforming the workforce mindset—from conventional thinking to one that is more agile and digitally oriented. Another major hurdle is uniting organizational cultures post-merger and fostering cross-entity collaboration.
Priyanto credits his UNAIR education for instilling values that guide his leadership—namely honesty, integrity, and a strong spirit of service. “Joining student organizations wasn’t about seeking titles; it was about learning how to serve,” he emphasized.
Mind behind Waste Education Village
Priyanto’s environmental work was sparked by concern over worsening waste problems. He founded the Waste Education Village (KES) as an open learning space focused on household waste sorting and management. Today, the initiative draws more than 4,000 visitors annually from diverse backgrounds. “Reducing waste starts at its source—with people—and that means starting at the household level,” he said.
At his company, Priyanto also launched the Green Port Initiative, aimed at developing environmentally sustainable ports. The program includes energy efficiency efforts, digitalization, waste management, and environmentally focused Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs that involve the surrounding community.
For Priyanto, sustainability is more than a catchphrase—it must be a core part of business strategy. He also stresses the critical role of young people, especially UNAIR students, in addressing climate challenges and adapting to rapid changes in the workforce.
“Be a leader who is not only intellectually capable but also socially and spiritually aware. Real leadership grows from small, consistent steps taken with sincerity,” he concluded.
Author: Ameyliarti Bunga Lestari
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
