Handling and managing waste is among priorities discussed by the Indonesian government as the waste has become a serious issue in the country.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a meeting with a number of cabinet ministers at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday, March 12, discussing comprehensive solutions in handling and managing waste.

In his statement, the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), said that the waste problem that is still being faced in various regions is a concern and priority for President Prabowo.

"Of course we know that until today we are still facing various waste problems in different cities and districts throughout Indonesia. Many of our people have also complained about this problem and of course we must not remain silent," he said as quoted by the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat on its website, Thursday.

According to AHY, the limited meeting was a strategic step by the government in dealing with increasingly complex waste problems.

Building public awareness and concern in dealing with waste issues is important, one of which is by increasing education and socialization regarding waste management from an early age in schools.

"Of course we must arouse awareness and concern nationally (about waste problem). That is the first thing that must be taken. Therefore, education and outreach on the issue must be raised among others to children in schools and adults," he added.

In addition to arousing public awareness, the government will also focus on the application of technology and strengthening infrastructure in handling waste from upstream to downstream.

AHY highlighted the condition of a number of landfills that are already full and their negative impact on the environment and public health.

"This is where several breakthroughs must be made including the use of technology and infrastructure that focus on handling waste from upstream to downstream, starting from the source of households, industry, commercial centers and all those that o produce waste," he explained.

By applying this technology, AHY hopes that waste management can be handled properly starting from the integrated waste disposal sites to the final processing location.

“Waste is expected to be destroyed and some can be buried, while the rest can be recycled. The waste can also be burnt an d converted into electricity," he continued.

As a concrete step, AHY said that President Prabowo has ordered the formation of a national waste management acceleration task force that will focus on infrastructure and the implementation of technology-based policies.

In this case, the central government will synergize with local governments in implementing this policy in an integrated manner.

As part of the national campaign, AHY said that the government will also present a national movement for Indonesia free from waste.

This movement aims to increase public awareness and ensure that waste management is carried out sustainably.

Reporting by Indonesia Window