Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has highlighted the significant challenges associated with managing marine and island waste across Indonesia. Speaking on Sunday in Makassar, South Sulawesi, the minister pointed to the country’s extensive maritime territory and the substantial costs involved in effective waste removal from oceanic environments.
Minister Nurofiq explained that once waste enters the sea, its handling becomes both expensive and complex. He noted that such waste cannot be processed through incineration because its salt content can lead to the production of harmful dioxins and furans when burned.
A major contributor to marine pollution, according to the minister, is inadequate waste management on land. Currently, only about 25 percent of Indonesia’s national waste undergoes processing, while approximately 60 percent is directed to landfills. This leaves a significant 40 percent of waste unmanaged, much of which ultimately finds its way into the oceans.
President Joko Widodo has issued a directive for land-based waste issues to be resolved by 2029. With only 25 percent of national waste currently processed, Minister Nurofiq emphasized the necessity of addressing the remaining 75 percent within the next three years. Consequently, the strategy will prioritize tackling terrestrial waste challenges before focusing on marine waste.
Acknowledging that marine and island waste remains an unresolved concern for the ministry, Nurofiq underscored that its management is a shared responsibility among central and regional governments. He clarified that the burden of marine waste cannot solely fall on governors or mayors, citing examples of collaborative efforts.
In Bali, for instance, where ocean currents frequently cause waste accumulation, coordinated operations involving the military and police are conducted annually from September to February to manage the influx.
The government, through the Environment Ministry, is actively developing and refining strategic measures to combat marine waste. While a national team is already in place for this purpose, the minister stressed the critical need for robust support from governors given the immense scale of Indonesia’s seas.
Source: Original
