Jakarta, Waste Management, and Lessons from Milan
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Muh Azis Muslim, an urban planning expert from the University of Indonesia, believes that the city of Milan (Italy) can serve as an example for Jakarta in addressing the issue of food waste while also strengthening urban food security.
The statement was made by Azis in response to the cooperation between the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and the City of Milan within the Leadership Exchange Programme Jakarta-Milan, which will take place from 9-16 May 2026.
According to Azis, Milan has a city-level food management system that involves many parties, ranging from government, the private sector, academics, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to farmers.
He believes that such a collaborative model makes food policy in Milan more focused because it is designed and implemented jointly by various stakeholders.
According to Azis, there are two main things that Jakarta can learn from Milan, namely policies to reduce food waste and the development of urban farming.
“This is what is interesting for Jakarta to learn. There are policies to reduce food waste, and there is also an urban farming program,” he said.
He believes that such a programme is relevant to be implemented in Jakarta, which currently still faces serious problems related to waste management.
Meanwhile, urban farming can help city residents meet their food needs while utilising limited land.
“Jakarta as a large city is now facing a waste emergency. That’s why this food waste reduction programme is important and can be emulated from Milan,” he said.
In addition to food management, Azis also believes that Jakarta can learn from Milan in urban spatial planning, especially in providing gathering spaces for residents.
According to him, Milan has successfully transformed former industrial or factory areas that are no longer used into public spaces that benefit the community.
“This is also interesting. Former factory areas that are no longer used can be transformed into places that are useful for the community,” he said.
He believes that this concept can be applied in Jakarta, given that there are still a number of neglected areas that have not been optimally utilised.