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.