Jakarta residents ready to sort waste provided facilities are available

Jakarta — Members of the Jakarta Provincial Parliament (DPRD) August Hamonangan has stated that residents are willing to sort waste on the condition that the provincial government provides necessary facilities and infrastructure.

The remarks were made in Jakarta on Thursday, following a working visit to Pasar Minggu market in South Jakarta, where Hamonangan encountered residents enthusiastic about participating in waste sorting initiatives.

“Our citizens are genuinely keen to assist the Jakarta provincial government in addressing its waste problems. For instance, when I recently visited East Cilandak, local residents expressed their readiness to engage in waste sorting,” he said.

According to Hamonangan, the city’s waste crisis has not diminished public enthusiasm for involvement in waste management efforts.

Reflecting on the high levels of community engagement observed in East Cilandak, Hamonangan believes the Jakarta provincial government has yet to reach all segments of society and absorb their aspirations for participation in waste management initiatives.

“However, the necessary infrastructure and facilities are not yet in place. For example, how can residents sort waste if waste collection points and waste banks are not equipped with separate waste receptacles?” he asked.

Hamonangan contends that such measures would significantly benefit the Jakarta provincial government, particularly field workers responsible for transporting waste from residents to final disposal sites.

When implemented consistently, he noted, not only would residents benefit from cleaner neighbourhoods, but field workers’ tasks would also become considerably easier.

“Previously, workers had to collect piles of mixed waste and sort them again. With pre-sorted waste from residents, workers could directly transport already-segregated waste,” he concluded.