"It is never too late to improve. The Ministry of Environment is present not only as a regulator but also as a driver of change along with the communities and businesses,” Hendropriyono noted in his statement on Wednesday.
This appeal comes in response to the staggering fact that Indonesia generates 56.63 million tons of waste annually, yet only 22.09 million tons are managed properly. Actual waste management rates may be as low as nine percent to 10 percent, leaving over 34 million tons polluting the environment.
In addition, many open dumping practices, such as in Bantar Gebang and Sari Mukti landfills in West Java, contribute significantly to methane emissions, which are 34 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
The consequences of inadequate waste management are far-reaching, he noted, with microplastics now detected in rivers, drinking water, and even in the placentas of pregnant women and breast milk.
Hence, the government utilizes this year’s World Environment Day expo and forum to raise public awareness and highlight Indonesia's readiness to be a pioneer of change for better waste management.
The event, held on June 22-24, showcased several solutions, including waste sorting machines, Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)-based incentive programs, and smoke-free incinerators that meet quality standards.
Social movements initiated by the community and local government were also featured, such as the Mepokoaso waste bank in Southeast Sulawesi and the Mutiara Bogor Raya integrated waste processing facility, as well as inspiring stories demonstrating that solutions can emerge even from the hands of the people.
Given these achievements, collaboration is seen as essential to realizing the government's latest policy direction which targets waste management to increase to 51.21 percent in 2025 and 100 percent in 2029.
"Indonesia can get out of the waste crisis, but only if all of us -- without exception -- work together. This is not just a task for the ministry; this concerns the future of the country," Deputy Minister Hendropriyono concluded.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Primayanti
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