A good solution for Indonesia's waste problems

A good solution for Indonesia's waste problems

Tiromsa Sinaga, Ubud, Bali

No one can deny that Indonesia faces serious waste management
issues. Although there is no easy solution, there are a few
simple, low technology exercises that can dramatically reduce the
amount of waste to be dealt with.

The introduction of imported western waste management
technologies such as incinerators has not been successful as a
long-term solution in Indonesia due to high running costs. The
acquisition of land for disposal sites is also a major issue
here; residents of urban areas don't want a landfill nearby.
Often a siting decision creates conflicts between the government
and citizens. Besides, large tracts of suitable land will become
increasingly scarce as development continues across the country.

Composting and recycling schemes have the potential to reduce
solid waste by over 80 percent in Indonesia. Waste generation in
this country is 70 percent organic, and composting is the most
effective way to handle it. Besides reducing the volume of the
waste transported and disposed of in a landfill, composting
generates a valuable soil conditioner for agricultural and
horticultural use.

Moreover, producing and promoting organic compost may reduce
the use of chemical fertilizers. Decisions to introduce organic
compost must be based on the demand of the market and careful
economic and financial analyses.

A waste separation program creates a better quality of organic
compost besides isolating plastic, paper, metal, glass and other
items for recycling. Promoting composting, reuse and recycling
programs could be an effective solution to reducing the amount of
waste transported to final disposal sites, while creating new
employment opportunities.

The government needs to promote the concept of appropriate
household waste storage facilities and information campaigns to
encourage waste separation. A composting scheme can be conducted
at the household level where the compost may be used as soil
conditioner for self-used in garden/yard.

A challenge for the national government through its ministries
is the compilation and distribution of environmental education
packages and programs for schools. For instance, the Ministry of
National Education could have a direct influence on incorporating
environmental education into curriculum design.

Governments at all levels should be aware of the issue and
promote environmental education as one of their programs and
priorities. Local government is ideally placed to deliver
environmental awareness and education programs specific to local
issues. Compared to national government agencies, local
government is in a better position to understand and deliver the
environmental information needs of its community.

The continued establishment of incentives is an important
factor in achieving a high level of success. These incentives
could encourage the community to make a positive contribution
toward environmental management such as composting at the
household level, which involves a high degree of community
participation. The government can subsidize the cost of
composting storage as an example and provide networks and links
for compost markets.

The government can also support community groups by making
them aware of available programs, providing subsidies for any
costs involved with environmental training, and providing
facilities for workshops and training activities. Local
government's essential role in supporting community groups
results in mutually beneficial outcomes.

Universities and schools play an extremely important role in
raising public awareness. Messages spread quickly among students.
The municipality should build cooperation and coordination with
universities and/or other agencies in designing programs. As an
example, presentations on environmental damage due to
inappropriate waste disposal can be conducted in the schools.

Competitions such as public speaking, experiences among
students and the cleanest school cover topics related to urban
cleanliness, activities related to waste, waste collection,
scavengers, etc. These could be undertaken annually as
Independence Day events. Perhaps the motivation at the beginning
would only be to win the award, but later on citizens would see
and realize the benefits of a cleaner, healthier environment.

The media is an important source of information for the
community, and the local government can address issues through
existing outlets such as local papers, radio stations, and
newsletters. These channels might seem expensive, but are
relatively cheap compared to the number of people who can be
reached. NGOs may also help the municipality to raise public
awareness of waste problems and act as a bridge between
governments and communities.

The general population may believe that active involvement in
waste management issues is good, but people have other priorities
and a limited understanding of the community's role in waste
management. People don't know how to get involved.

Through environmental education, the local community can begin
to understand environmental issues at the personal level and
through the local, regional, national and global perspectives.
Indonesians will grow to appreciate the importance of individual
responsibility and action in achieving sustainable lifestyles.

The writer is assistant executive director/environment
programs coordinator of the IDEP Foundation. He can be reached at
tiromsa@idepfoundation.org.