Environment Minister Warns Regional Heads to Resolve Waste Issues

Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has called on regional heads to fully resolve waste issues in line with the 2029 target. Hanif stated that this target is a direct instruction from President Prabowo Subianto. “To regents and mayors, the President has ordered the resolution of waste problems by no later than 2029 using all methods,” said Environment Minister Hanif to reporters on Jalan Besar Ijen in Malang City, East Java, on Sunday, 29 March 2026. The minister emphasised one key point in addressing local waste issues: ensuring that household-level waste sorting operates at maximum capacity. This step will determine the reduction of handling and resolution costs at the downstream level. Resolving waste problems must not be seen merely 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. “Waste is our obligation to provide a good environment to society,” stated Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq. On that occasion, Minister Hanif also reminded local governments to consistently carry out community work programmes or environmental clean-ups, which are expected to develop into broader public movements on a larger scale. “All waste problems can be reduced very well,” he said. During the community work on Jalan Besar Ijen, Minister Hanif was accompanied by Malang City Mayor Wahyu Hidayat and Malang Regent M Sanusi. Before starting the clean-up, Environment Minister Hanif first greeted the public participating in the Car-Free Day activities. Minister Hanif, along with regional heads and several high-ranking officials from the Malang City Government and Malang Regency Government, began the community work around 07:00 WIB from Jalan Semeru and then proceeded to Jalan Besar Ijen. At each lane passed, Minister Hanif was seen promptly picking up litter using a gripping stick. One by one, he placed the waste into white-coloured burlap sacks.