"Pollution, waste piles, and environmental damage must be ended now. The central and regional governments must be at the forefront, but the community must also be part of the solution," he said.
This was conveyed by the minister at an environmental coordination meeting in Cianjur, West Java, on Saturday, according to a statement.
He noted that when environmental damage occurs, the cost to recover it will be even higher than the cost to prevent the damage.
Nurofiq particularly highlighted data from the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) showing that waste generation in West Java reached 6.1 million tons in 2024, and most of them have not been managed optimally.
In this regard, the Ministry of Environment is encouraging a reduction of waste from its sources through waste sorting at homes, schools, offices, and industrial parks.
The minister also called for collaboration in West Java to enhance waste management.
On the same occasion, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi stated that the West Java Government is applying a punishment and reward system for village governments in the province.
He explained that villages with poor waste management will not get village funds and support from the government to carry out development.
Meanwhile, those that have successfully managed their waste will get awards and additional program support.
The provincial government is also seeking to strengthen environmental education from early through Waste-Free Healthy School program which integrated waste management learning materials into the school curriculum.
Related news: Need to use appropriate tech to tackle waste, minister says
Related news: Indonesia urges businesses to fund waste management via CSR
Translator: Prisca Triferna, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
