Ministry of Environment Recognises Three Regions with Best Waste Management Performance

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment (KLH) has recognised three districts and cities with the best waste management performance: Surabaya City, Balikpapan City, and Ciamis Regency during a National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) on Waste Management.

At the Waste Management Rakornas held in Jakarta on Wednesday, Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Board (BPLH) Hanif Faisol Nurofiq presented Certificates Towards Clean Districts/Cities to 35 regions, with the highest rankings awarded to the three aforementioned districts and cities.

“Certainly not everything is perfect, the assessment methodology, but we are trying to be as comprehensive as possible. We do not assess the front face of the city or the front face of the regency; we go directly behind, into the kitchen, the rivers, and so on,” said Hanif.

Surabaya City became the Best City I in waste management in 2025, followed by Balikpapan City in second place and Ciamis Regency as the Best Regency in waste management. Additionally, 253 districts and cities fell into the guidance category and 132 districts and cities were placed in the supervision category.

He highlighted that many regions have not yet conducted waste management seriously and are classified as Very Dirty Cities.

“In general, more than 120 of these are still in the status of Very Dirty Cities. Cities that have genuinely not yet allocated budget costs and attention to waste management,” said Hanif.

Nevertheless, he expressed appreciation to regional heads and local governments that have demonstrated strong commitment to improving waste management and handling.