Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said on Monday that the government is upgrading the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanism, which was previously voluntary, into a mandatory scheme for product manufacturers that use plastic packaging.
"We are strict about reusing and recycling. Last night, we met with the Minister of Industry to discuss our steps," he said.
He emphasized that manufacturers must take greater responsibility for the waste generated by their products, especially single-use plastics that are harmful and difficult to decompose. Even when broken down, plastics produce microplastics that continue to pollute the environment.
"Plastic is problematic for the environment because it is single-use. This causes problems and contains hazardous and toxic materials," he remarked, adding that plastic scrap imports have been banned since January 1.
According to him, making recycling mandatory is part of a broader strategy to achieve the government’s waste management targets by 2029, as outlined in the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).
"We give no exceptions for plastic. The President has requested completion by 2029, and we are currently drafting the foundation," Nurofiq said.
Alongside the mandatory recycling push, the ministry is also preparing for waste-to-energy projects in regions producing at least 1,000 tons of daily waste.
Nurofiq, however, underlined that waste-to-energy should remain a last-resort solution given its high costs and complex requirements.
"It can be used as a final step when a waste dump explodes, as happened in Bantar Gebang, Jakarta," he noted.
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Translator: Ananto Pradana, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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