A good solution for Indonesia's waste problems<\/p>\n
Tiromsa Sinaga, Ubud, Bali<\/p>\n
No one can deny that Indonesia faces serious waste management
\nissues. Although there is no easy solution, there are a few
\nsimple, low technology exercises that can dramatically reduce the
\namount of waste to be dealt with.<\/p>\n
The introduction of imported western waste management
\ntechnologies such as incinerators has not been successful as a
\nlong-term solution in Indonesia due to high running costs. The
\nacquisition of land for disposal sites is also a major issue
\nhere; residents of urban areas don't want a landfill nearby.
\nOften a siting decision creates conflicts between the government
\nand citizens. Besides, large tracts of suitable land will become
\nincreasingly scarce as development continues across the country.<\/p>\n
Composting and recycling schemes have the potential to reduce
\nsolid waste by over 80 percent in Indonesia. Waste generation in
\nthis country is 70 percent organic, and composting is the most
\neffective way to handle it. Besides reducing the volume of the
\nwaste transported and disposed of in a landfill, composting
\ngenerates a valuable soil conditioner for agricultural and
\nhorticultural use.<\/p>\n
Moreover, producing and promoting organic compost may reduce
\nthe use of chemical fertilizers. Decisions to introduce organic
\ncompost must be based on the demand of the market and careful
\neconomic and financial analyses.<\/p>\n
A waste separation program creates a better quality of organic
\ncompost besides isolating plastic, paper, metal, glass and other
\nitems for recycling. Promoting composting, reuse and recycling
\nprograms could be an effective solution to reducing the amount of
\nwaste transported to final disposal sites, while creating new
\nemployment opportunities.<\/p>\n
The government needs to promote the concept of appropriate
\nhousehold waste storage facilities and information campaigns to
\nencourage waste separation. A composting scheme can be conducted
\nat the household level where the compost may be used as soil
\nconditioner for self-used in garden\/yard.<\/p>\n
A challenge for the national government through its ministries
\nis the compilation and distribution of environmental education
\npackages and programs for schools. For instance, the Ministry of
\nNational Education could have a direct influence on incorporating
\nenvironmental education into curriculum design.<\/p>\n
Governments at all levels should be aware of the issue and
\npromote environmental education as one of their programs and
\npriorities. Local government is ideally placed to deliver
\nenvironmental awareness and education programs specific to local
\nissues. Compared to national government agencies, local
\ngovernment is in a better position to understand and deliver the
\nenvironmental information needs of its community.<\/p>\n
The continued establishment of incentives is an important
\nfactor in achieving a high level of success. These incentives
\ncould encourage the community to make a positive contribution
\ntoward environmental management such as composting at the
\nhousehold level, which involves a high degree of community
\nparticipation. The government can subsidize the cost of
\ncomposting storage as an example and provide networks and links
\nfor compost markets.<\/p>\n
The government can also support community groups by making
\nthem aware of available programs, providing subsidies for any
\ncosts involved with environmental training, and providing
\nfacilities for workshops and training activities. Local
\ngovernment's essential role in supporting community groups
\nresults in mutually beneficial outcomes.<\/p>\n
Universities and schools play an extremely important role in
\nraising public awareness. Messages spread quickly among students.
\nThe municipality should build cooperation and coordination with
\nuniversities and\/or other agencies in designing programs. As an
\nexample, presentations on environmental damage due to
\ninappropriate waste disposal can be conducted in the schools.<\/p>\n
Competitions such as public speaking, experiences among
\nstudents and the cleanest school cover topics related to urban
\ncleanliness, activities related to waste, waste collection,
\nscavengers, etc. These could be undertaken annually as
\nIndependence Day events. Perhaps the motivation at the beginning
\nwould only be to win the award, but later on citizens would see
\nand realize the benefits of a cleaner, healthier environment.<\/p>\n
The media is an important source of information for the
\ncommunity, and the local government can address issues through
\nexisting outlets such as local papers, radio stations, and
\nnewsletters. These channels might seem expensive, but are
\nrelatively cheap compared to the number of people who can be
\nreached. NGOs may also help the municipality to raise public
\nawareness of waste problems and act as a bridge between
\ngovernments and communities.<\/p>\n
The general population may believe that active involvement in
\nwaste management issues is good, but people have other priorities
\nand a limited understanding of the community's role in waste
\nmanagement. People don't know how to get involved.<\/p>\n
Through environmental education, the local community can begin
\nto understand environmental issues at the personal level and
\nthrough the local, regional, national and global perspectives.
\nIndonesians will grow to appreciate the importance of individual
\nresponsibility and action in achieving sustainable lifestyles.<\/p>\n
The writer is assistant executive director\/environment
\nprograms coordinator of the IDEP Foundation. He can be reached at
\ntiromsa@idepfoundation.org.<\/p>",
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