Environment Minister Admits Shame Over Banjarbaru's Status as a Dirty City

Environment Minister (LH) and Head of the Indonesian Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, feels that Banjarbaru, his place of origin, has the status of a dirty city and is unable to achieve the Adipura award. Hanif revealed this during a working visit to South Kalimantan Province on Thursday (9/4). During the visit, Hanif visited the Rina Karya Complex, RT 03 RW 04, Guntung Paikat Ward in Banjarbaru City, which is a pilot project for community-based waste management. “This waste problem is a priority for the government, an emerging issue that has become a major concern for the President, so local governments must support it and not work independently without heeding directions from the leadership,” Hanif stressed in front of the Mayor, Sub-district Heads, Ward Heads, and RT/RW across Banjarbaru City. Local governments at the provincial, regency/city levels down to the neighbourhood (RT) level must support and align with central government policies so that national development programme targets can be achieved. “There should be no political baggage; this is joint work. What is the mayor’s order is essentially an order from the central government. If all of you have a different system, then where will we take our development goals?” he continued. According to Hanif, waste handling must be addressed together and massively involving the community. Hanif said he was disappointed and ashamed that Banjarbaru City is now in the dirty city category with a score of 49, far from efforts to obtain the Adipura award. “Where should I put my face? Banjarbaru City is my hometown, where I live, but the city is dirty. Whereas geographically, the small city and status as the capital of South Kalimantan Province is easier to arrange compared to other cities like Banjarmasin which is complex,” Hanif said while asking officials to go to the field together with the community to improve the environment, especially waste. He emphasised that Banjarbaru has an ideal city structure for effective environmental management. Hanif encouraged the Banjarbaru City Government to continue improving waste handling efforts to present a healthy and clean city in accordance with the mandate of the law. “This city must improve its environmental management performance to achieve Adipura,” said Hanif. The Mayor of Banjarbaru, Erna Lisa Halaby, welcomed the Environment Minister’s support. According to her, the government cannot move alone in resolving waste issues without active community involvement as well as local apparatus such as Ward and Sub-district Heads. “We appreciate the support and facility assistance from the Minister. This becomes homework for us to ensure Banjarbaru truly becomes a beautiful city in line with our vision and mission. Let us together focus on this waste problem,” said Mayor Lisa Halaby added. The Environment Minister’s visit, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, was interspersed with the handover of various waste processing facilities to several wards in Banjarbaru City.