Activists acknowledge need for recycling

JAKARTA: Green activists met on Saturday in Banjarsari, West Cilandak, South Jakarta, to join in a discussion on waste reduction in the city.

Sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the participants agreed to follow up by holding other meetings and providing better health and financial support for scavengers in Jakarta.

"The conclusion of the discussion was that we are fully aware of the need to manage our daily waste in an environmentally friendly way, including reducing and recycling our garbage," said top executive of the Indonesian Boy Scouts, Parni Hadi.

Environmental experts said the presence of scavengers in the city had reduced the waste by around 15 percent through recycling activities. Jakarta produces at least 6,000 tons of garbage daily. -- JP