Environment Minister Urges Public to Strengthen Awareness of Plastic Waste Management

The Thousand Islands Regency, CNBC Indonesia - The observance of World Ocean Day and World Turtle Day provides a momentum for the government to push public awareness in safeguarding the marine ecosystem. The government notes that the issue of plastic waste at sea remains a serious threat to the life of marine organisms and to human health.

Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat said the observance of World Ocean Day and World Turtle Day is not merely ceremonial. According to him, these events serve as an important symbol so that the public continuously builds awareness to conserve nature and avoid activities that could damage the environment.

Jumhur emphasised that one of the most worrying problems today is marine litter, especially plastic waste and discarded fishing gear such as nets. Such waste is seen as often disrupting the underwater ecosystem and the life of marine biota.

He said that public awareness to sort waste and not to dispose of plastic carelessly must become a joint movement. The government believes that a culture of proper waste management reflects the improvement in the quality and awareness of the public in safeguarding the environment.