Environment Minister Hanif to Summon North Coast Motorway Rest Area Operators Over Waste Management Failures

Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has stated that the ministry will begin summoning rest area operators along the North Coast motorway (Pantura) in Java who have not improved waste management systems in their facilities.

The statement was made by Hanif whilst inspecting Rest Area 287 A in Central Java on Saturday, 14 March 2026. He emphasised that the previous government had mandated all rest area operators on the Pantura route to improve waste management systems within a three-month period.

“This has been underway for one month. In line with presidential directives to ensure public comfort, we are also conducting direct oversight,” Hanif said.

Hanif explained that although the improvement deadline under administrative sanctions through government enforcement will end in May, his ministry plans to begin summoning rest area operators in April.

According to him, the summonses aim to request explanations from operators deemed slow in responding to government enforcement letters regarding facility development and waste management system improvements at individual rest areas.

“At the beginning of April we will start summoning them to explain delays in following up on government enforcement letters concerning facility development and waste management improvements. This measure will not only apply to rest areas,” he said.

He added that oversight of waste management compliance is not only conducted at rest areas, but also covers various other public facilities such as markets, hotels, restaurants, cafes, terminals, and railway stations.

Should operators fail to meet their obligations, the government can impose heavier sanctions. These sanctions range from facility suspension to revocation of environmental permits related to waste management.

Furthermore, violations of government enforcement orders may also result in criminal penalties with a maximum sentence of one year’s imprisonment.

Previously, Hanif conducted direct inspections of several rest areas along the Pantura motorway route, from Jakarta to Surabaya. The visits were conducted to ensure waste management is functioning properly, whilst anticipating increased waste volumes during the Eid exodus period.