The role of Protestant religious leaders for supporting community in the 3R-based waste (reduce, reuse, recycle) in Kupang City

Purpose: Local leaders become the potentially stakeholders who able to encourage and increase the community participation. This study was aimed to explore the role of the Protestant religious leaders in Kupang City in supporting 3R based waste management. Method: This was a mixed method study that quantitative and qualitative data were collected simultaneously. Quantitative data related to knowledge, attitudes, 3R-based waste management practices, and the role of religious leaders in supporting waste management efforts were obtained from 271 religious leaders using structure questionnaire. Quantitative data collection regarding community compliance was obtained from 229 congregation through an online survey. Meanwhile, the qualitative data to assess the self-efficacy of religious leaders in mobilizing community participation had been done through indepth interviews. Results: Most of religious leaders (42,1%) had a good level of knowledge about 3R-based waste management, but their attitudes (36,5%) and waste management practices (43,2%) were moderate. Beside, most of congregation (40,4%) had moderate level of compliance to religious leaders. Religius leaders was collaborated with various stakeholders to improve community participation on the 3R-based waste management. In addition, religious leaders had high self-efficacy for empowering community on the 3R-based waste management. Conclusion: Religious leaders had potential role to empower community on the program 3R-based waste management. Therefore, health providers need to engage religious leader to support the health program, especially for waste management.