"Under the government's coercion, operators must follow a schedule or face civil and criminal sanctions," Nurofiq remarked when met after the inauguration of high-ranking officials in Jakarta, Monday.
He clarified that the coercion and closure efforts for TPAs still conducting open dumping are not intended to intimidate related parties but rather to foster a change in mindset regarding environmental impacts.
"One of the impacts is the leachate (produced) at various TPAs because it contains (high) concentrations of organic and inorganic compounds," he pointed out.
According to Nurofiq, the issuance of the coercive regulation aligned with the Environment Ministry's responsibilities to oversee environmental protection and ensure effective waste management at the regional government level for a healthier environment.
Related news: Govt to shut 306 open dumping sites to protect environment
He reminded that efforts to manage waste must originate not only from governmental actions but also from a shift in community habits and mindsets. Such combined efforts are vital for achieving effective waste reduction and management.
"Starting from building in the community to the downstream. It is all there. We just have to be serious about implementing it," he stressed.
Earlier, the Environment Ministry had taken action against illegal landfills that continued open dumping and burning practices, including the Limo illegal landfill in Depok, West Java, in November 2024, which had been operating since 2009.
Related news: Indonesia acts against open dumping to improve waste management
Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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