Ministry pushes tech-driven waste management collaboration

The statement followed a meeting between Higher Education Minister Brian Yuliarto and Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq on Tuesday.

“What we previously developed was a macro framework. After assessing field conditions, we will use the existing reduce, reuse, recycle (3R) database to move directly into the implementation stage,” Yuliarto said.

He emphasized that a science- and technology-based approach is a key foundation for developing effective and sustainable waste management solutions.

According to Yuliarto, the policy framework that has been prepared is now being aligned with the Environment Ministry to better reflect on-the-ground conditions.

In this context, he said the ministry is encouraging the optimization of more than one hundred 3R temporary waste processing sites as part of efforts to strengthen upstream waste management.

Universities will be actively involved in field surveys, mapping, and technical studies, he added.

At the same meeting, Nurofiq welcomed the support to strengthen the scientific basis of waste management policies, saying collaboration with academia is key to ensuring effective implementation.

He added that the government is also working to improve the waste management ecosystem by prioritizing upstream interventions through the use of technology and changes in public behavior.

“This approach is important as urban waste is still dominated by household waste with a high organic content, making it necessary to reduce pressure on final disposal sites (TPA) while improving the overall efficiency of the waste management system,” he said.

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Translator: Sean, Kenzu