Hi-tech used to scrape garbage

JAKARTA: PT Asiana Technology Lestary tried out on Friday its latest technology for removing garbage out of the rivers.

The demonstration of the Mechanical Electrical Hydraulic (MEH) machine took place at the flood gate in Kalibaru Barat, Lenteng Agung in South Jakarta, before the machine was handed over to the Jakarta Public Works Agency.

PT Asiana director Poltak Sitinjak was quoted as saying by Antara, "We hope with this tryout, we will be able to overcome the garbage problems in the 13 rivers that run through Jakarta".

He explained that the machine had been developed over a period of five years to be able to lift up to one ton of garbage from a river. The garbage passes along a conveyer belt and up to a garbage truck.

MEH requires 380 volts of electricity. Fifteen operators will manage the machine in different shifts.

The construction of the machine began last year and had cost the city budget Rp 1.8 billion. In order to finish the project, the company still needs another Rp 2 billion, Sitinjak said. -- JP