Environment Minister urges regional heads to resolve waste issues by 2029

Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has urged regional heads to fully resolve waste management issues by 2029, in accordance with the target set. Speaking after participating in a community clean-up or korve on Jalan Besar Ijen in Malang, East Java, on Sunday, Minister Hanif stated that this target is a direct instruction from President Prabowo Subianto. “To regents and mayors, the President has ordered the waste problem to be resolved by 2029 at the latest, using all methods,” said Minister Hanif. The minister emphasised a key point in addressing local waste issues: ensuring that waste sorting at the household level operates maximally, as this step will determine the reduction of handling and resolution costs at the downstream level. Resolving waste problems should not merely be seen as a path to achieving the Adipura Kencana award. More than that, he said, comprehensive handling aims to ensure the fulfilment of obligations to preserve the environment and maintain its sustainability for future generations. On that occasion, Minister Hanif also reminded local governments to consistently carry out work bakti or environmental clean-up agendas, which are expected to develop into a joint movement with the community on a more massive scale. “All waste problems can be reduced very well,” he said. During the clean-up on Jalan Besar Ijen, Minister Hanif was accompanied by Malang Mayor Wahyu Hidayat and Malang Regent M Sanusi. Before the korve, Minister Hanif first greeted the public participating in the Car-Free Day (HBKB) activities. In every lane he passed, Minister Hanif was seen diligently picking up litter using a gripping stick. One by one, the waste was placed into a white sack. While on Jalan Besar Ijen, he greeted the public and reminded them to pay attention to environmental cleanliness by disposing of waste in the proper places. Around 08:10 WIB, the korve activity concluded, and Minister Hanif, along with the regional heads, continued with a bicycle ride around Malang City.