The ITB alumni will help us with a comprehensive overview. Once again, I do not want household domestic waste entering the sea
Batam, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini is working with the alumni association of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to build a waste bank on the buffer islands of Batam region, Riau Islands.



The waste bank is meant to support efforts to convert plastic waste into fuel oil (BBM).



"We are working with ITB alumni to design this waste bank. We are considering all aspects," the minister said during her visit to Bertam Island,here on Tuesday.



She made the remarks after reviewing the condition of the sea tribe living on Bertam Island, where garbage has been piling up.


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Rismaharini said she wants areas like Bertam Island to be developed like big cities. Moreover, the area lies directly opposite Singapore.



"It was my job to work for the underdeveloped, outermost, and remote areas. I used to only handle the housing problems, but the ITB alumni saw that this area could be developed. This development could bring income for local residents as well," she emphasized.



The ITB alumni are helping develop environmentally-friendly housing with fulfilled energy resources, she added.



“The ITB alumni will help us with a comprehensive overview. Once again, I do not want household domestic waste entering the sea. However, give us time to build the waste bank facility first," Rismaharini said.


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Meanwhile, general chairman of the ITB alumni association, Gembong Primajaya, said that for developing a waste bank, the first thing that is needed is an approach to the community.



"Because it cannot be done suddenly, people must be educated slowly," Primajaya explained.



He said that the tool for converting plastic waste into fuel is already available and awaiting installation.



"We already have the machine that can convert waste into fuel. The machine will be transported here from Java Island. It will convert waste into gasoline," he added.


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Translator: Ilham Yude P, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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