Environment Minister Urges Banjar Regency to Resolve Remaining 27% of Waste Issues

Martapura, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has instructed the Banjar Regency Government to resolve the remaining 27% of waste issues from a total daily generation of around 365 tonnes to support the national target of 100% waste management by 2029. The minister stated that of this total, approximately 265 tonnes per day are already managed through the Kencana Final Processing Site (TPA) using a controlled landfill system, leaving about 27% that requires more serious handling. “I appreciate the swift actions of the Banjar Regency Government in halting open dumping practices since early 2025 as a follow-up to central government directives in gradually improving waste management governance,” he said after the Environmental Roll Call and Inspection at Batuah Market in Martapura, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan, on Monday. According to him, stopping open dumping is the initial stage towards a more mature management system, in line with the national target of complete 100% waste management by 2029 as part of sustainable development agenda. “Next, local governments are encouraged to advance to the next stage by significantly reducing organic waste entering the TPA through processing at the source or upstream level,” he said. In addition, the implementation of controlled landfill involves periodic covering of waste piles, at least weekly, to ensure no more open dumping practices and to reduce pollution impacts. He also emphasised the importance of fulfilling technical aspects, including the establishment of a Waste Management Master Plan, increasing budget allocation to around three percent, and strengthening human resource capacity in waste management. He assessed that Banjar Regency has the potential to become a national role model, with relatively high performance achievements and the opportunity to regain the Adipura award in 2026 if the remaining issues can be resolved. Banjar Regent Saidi Mansyur stated that the local government is committed to continuing cleanliness programmes by preparing budgets, facilities and infrastructure, as well as strengthening the role of community self-help groups in promoting waste sorting from the upstream level. According to him, community-based management is beginning to develop because it has economic value, thus encouraging public participation in waste reduction from the source. “The Banjar Regency Government is also ready to support the waste-to-electricity processing project in the Banjarbakula area, including supplying around 100 tonnes of waste per day as part of regional cooperation,” he said.