Environmental Minister Reminds Regional Governments of Potential Waste Surge During Eid Holiday

Jakarta — The Ministry of Environment and Climate (KLHK) has reminded regional governments to prepare for increased waste generation in their respective areas during the 2026 Eid holiday period.

Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH) Hanif Faisol Nurofi made the statement whilst inspecting Kampung Rambutan Terminal in Jakarta on Tuesday, noting that the Ministry of Transportation estimates approximately 143.91 million people will undertake the mudik (annual exodus) to return to their hometowns this year.

“There will be approximately 143 million population movements from major cities to regional areas. This means the waste generated in a single day could be multiplied by 0.5 kilogrammes,” said Minister Hanif.

“We have already instructed and requested mayors and regents, as the primary parties responsible for waste management, to address this matter immediately,” stated Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq.

He reminded all parties that waste management regulations already exist and urged regional governments to implement them in accordance with established provisions.

The Ministry of Transportation had previously predicted that the peak of the 2026 Eid exodus would occur on Wednesday (18 March), with an estimated 21.97 million people travelling on that day alone.

“This figure represents a 1.75 per cent decline compared to the 2025 survey estimate of around 146 million. However, the actual 2025 realisation reached 154 million, indicating that public mobility during Eid tends to exceed survey projections,” said Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi during a Cabinet Plenary Session on Friday (13 March).

Regarding transportation modes, the minister noted that private vehicles are predicted to remain the primary choice for 76.24 million travellers, followed by motorcycles and buses.