"We have held a limited meeting to discuss the problem of garbage, and as I recall it, six times since I was a mayor. I say what it is. We also want to solve this garbage problem; we want to do it," President Jokowi emphasized at the presidential office here on Tuesday.
The head of state made the remark while chairing a limited meeting on "Development of the Construction of Waste Power Plants (PLTSa)."
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"Hence, the governors should do the same, but until today, until now, I have not heard of any 'progress' to that end," the president pointed out.
The president also sought reports from the regional heads over the progress achieved in tackling the garbage problem.
"Thus, we just head straight to tackling the problem. Hence, what is the problem? Someone said 'Pak (Sir) PLN (state electricity company) is slow. Is anyone from PLN present?" the president questioned to which Acting President Director of PLN Djoko Rahardjo Abumanan then raised his hand.
"Someone said that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has not been ready. The minister is there. We have already completed it this afternoon. This is not a matter of electricity. We want to solve this garbage problem and thereafter the electricity issue," the president remarked.
The head of state called for the need to take immediate measures to tackle garbage pollution, both on land and at sea.
"We have yet to overcome (the garbage problem) on land while also having to deal with the 'marine debris.' This is not only our problem but also a global concern," the president stated.
He also reiterated that the meeting should yield a concrete solution to the garbage problem.
"I really want to have a solution this afternoon. Where is the problem? The attending mayors, governors, and district heads just speak to the point on what is the problem. Please keep it brief," the president emphasized.
Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan, Minister of Research and Higher Education M. Nasir, Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna H. Laoly, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar, Minister of Agrarian and Spatial Planning Sofyan Djalil, Minister/State Secretary Pratikono, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung were among the attendees at the limited meeting.
West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak, Head of the Technology Assessment and Application Agency (BPPT) Hammam Riza, Head of Government Goods/Services Procurement Policy Institute (LKPP) Roni Dwi Susanto, and Acting President Director of PLN Djoko Rahardjo Abumanan were also present at the meeting.
Moreover, the meeting was marked by the presence of Surabaya Mayor Tri Risma Harini, Makassar Mayor Muhammad Iqbal Samad Suhaeb, Manado Mayor Vicky Lumentut, Solo Mayor F.X. Hadi Rudyatmo, Tangerang Mayor Arief R. Wismansyah, South Tangerang Mayor Airin Rachmi Diany, Deputy Mayor of Denpasar I.B. Rai Dharmawijaya, Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi, Palembang Mayor Harnojoyo, and other relevant officials. Related news: Minister Pandjaitan dedicates waste-to-energy plant in Bekasi
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Desca Lidya Natalia/Bambang Pu
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
