TBS Energi Utama concluded the year 2023 with another significant move in its pursuit of a green and sustainable future. During TBS’ 2023 Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (EGMS) on December 1, 2023, the company proudly announced the complete acquisition of ARAH Environmental, a domestic waste management company based in Bogor and Solo. This strategic move closely followed TBS’ initial entry into the waste management sector with the acquisition of PT Asia Medical Enviro Services “AMES” in August of the same year.
Founded in 2008 in Bandung, ARAH Environmental was originally established with the specific aim of transporting medical waste, focusing on the West Java and Jabodetabek region. Over time, the company has successfully diversified its services, now providing
full-service waste management not only for medical waste but also B3 (hazardous and toxic materials), domestic waste, and electronic waste. A recent addition to their service portfolio involves the management of used electric car batteries, facilitated through a strategic partnership with a logistics company affiliated with Hyundai Motors Corporation.
With 15 years of experience, ARAH has established itself as a key player in the industry, earning the trust of both government bodies and private institutions. Highlights in their track record included serving as the official partner for the 2018 Asian Games and receiving the PROPER Biru award in 2021 from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia. In 2022, ARAH was also entrusted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to conduct research on waste management prototypes in traditional markets within the Jabodetabek area.
ARAH's success has led them to operate beyond their place of origin, as their impactful services have reached more than 3.700 customers across Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi. Furthermore, to facilitate their service, ARAH has its own waste processing facility with a capacity of 28 tons/day located in Polokarto sub-district, Sukoharjo district, Central Java. The company’s nationwide operation is one of the pillars that will support TBS’ goal of becoming Southeast Asia’s powerhouse in the sustainable waste management industry.
Building toward integration in its waste management services, TBS’ acquisition brings along ARAH’s subsidiaries: PT Graha Alam Industri, PT Solusi Niaga Ekosistem, and PT Solusi Asri Lestari. All four will join AMES under the umbrella of PT Solusi Bersih TBS (SBT), TBS’ dedicated sub-holding for waste management. According to SVP Corporate Strategy & Investor Relations TBS, Nafi Sentausa, SBT focuses on processing four types of waste: medical waste, hazardous waste, domestic waste, and electronic waste. Hence, similar to AMES, ARAH’s specialty in these sectors aligns perfectly with the company’s purpose. While Singapore-based AMES will emphasize on regional expansion, ARAH will strengthen the business within the homeland.
Upholding the Towards a Better Society 2030 commitment, the inclusion of ARAH in TBS’ portfolio is a statement of the company’s dedication to building its green business line. Tapping into the waste management industry represents the company’s third approach to sustainable and environmentally aware business practices after green energy and electric vehicles. "Through 'Towards a Better Society 2030' (TBS2030), we are committed not only to business growth but also to creating a positive impact through sustainable and inclusive business practices," said Nafi.