17.7 Million Returnees Enter Central Java, Waste Production Expected to Increase
The amount of waste produced in Central Java province is predicted to increase during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday period. This is due to the influx of returnees arriving or passing through Central Java on their way home for the holiday.
“When there is an increase in the number of returnees, the waste also increases,” stated the Head of the Provincial Environment and Forestry Department (DLHK), Widi Hartanto, on Sunday (22/3/2026).
Widi said he has not yet received data on the number of returnees entering Central Java for this year’s Eid. However, it is certain that waste production in Central Java will rise due to the movement of people.
According to Widi, his team has been deployed to inspect locations frequented by returnees, such as bus terminals, train stations, and rest areas. The team is monitoring the extent of waste management at these sites.
“The managers of these areas must also handle waste properly. For example, organic and inorganic waste must be separated,” said Widi.
He added that prior to the start of the Eid returnee flow, the provincial DLHK and district/city offices across Central Java have conducted a series of awareness campaigns, including via social media, to encourage returnees to manage the waste they generate.
“For instance, avoiding or reducing the use of single-use packaging bottles, reducing plastic use, and bringing food containers. This includes sorting waste into organic and inorganic categories,” Widi explained.
Widi revealed that Central Java currently produces 6.3 million tonnes of waste per year. This means an average of 17,000 tonnes of waste is generated daily. “The estimate is that each resident of Central Java produces around 0.5 kilograms of waste per day,” he said.
He noted that with the movement of returnees, daily waste production will surge. “We haven’t received the returnee numbers yet; we’re still requesting the data. So, there will definitely be an increase in waste production,” Widi stated.
Previously, Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi announced that approximately 17.7 million people are expected to enter Central Java during this year’s Eid returnee flow. This figure represents an increase of about 2.7 million people compared to last year’s flow.
“This year’s prediction for those entering Central Java is around 17.7 million people. Last year it was about 15 million, so there is a significant rise. With such a large number, all parties must be prepared because Central Java serves as the central hub for national returnee movement,” Luthfi said in Semarang on Thursday (5/3/2026).