Designing an Action Learning Process to Promote Innovative Waste Management Practices in The Tapioca Industry in Lampung Province

Abstract

Tapioca industry gives positive impact to the regional economy in Lampung Province. With 66 tapioca factories and 8.059.287 tonnes of tapioca starch production, it makes Lampung Province as the biggest tapioca producer in Indonesia. However, tapioca industry released large amount of waste that can contaminated the environment. Although there are some ideas and technologies that have been offered by some stakeholders in tapioca industry, poor interaction of stakeholders influences the innovation adoption of technology and regulation compliances. Innovation is an interactive and interdisciplinary phenomenon. Therefore, interactions among stakeholders are critical for accelerating the innovation adoption process in waste management. This research offers action learning as one qualitative method for observe organisations engagement for nurturing ideas of innovation. This study used case studied methodology and followed qualitative research by using field observation and interview for data collection, and interpretive approach for analysing the data. The initial findings found that the stakeholders have concerned about waste management practices in tapioca industry. However, this research reveals that undefined role of stakeholders, lack of coordination among stakeholders, and financial problem are the burden for innovation adoption process. Based on this situation, the action learning can be arranged. The approach to action learning in this research is developed according to problem analysis in current situation and the stakeholder expectation for future collaboration. Moreover, the government will play a role as a facilitator, while academics and R&D institutions take part as advisor. There are four steps of action learning: planning, action, experience, and understanding. For ensuring sustainable collaboration, agreements among stakeholders are needed.