Reducing Plastic: Mataram Environmental Agency Allocates Rp 200 Million for Tote Bag Procurement

The Mataram City Environmental Agency (DLH) has allocated a budget of approximately Rp 200 million for the procurement of tote bags as an effort to reduce the use of single-use plastic waste. The procurement aims to provide around 8,000 tote bags, which will be distributed to the community in stages.

“Approximately Rp 200 million (budgeted for 2025),” stated the Head of Mataram DLH, Nizar Denny Cahyadi, when confirmed on Monday (18/5/2026).

As an initial phase, Mataram DLH distributed around 800 tote bags to the public during the Car Free Day (CFD) event last week. According to Nizar, the tote bags were given to CFD visitors who brought plastic bags, which were then exchanged for the eco-friendly shopping bags.

“The 800 tote bags were for CFD visitors using plastic bags, which we then exchanged for goodie bags. Following this, we will also target traditional markets this week,” he said.

After targeting CFD visitors, Mataram DLH plans to distribute tote bags across several traditional markets. The programme is being implemented as a form of public education to encourage a transition away from single-use plastic bags.

“We will distribute 8,000 tote bags at the markets. This is a socialisation effort for the community, so they switch from plastic bags to reusable tote bags. This way, plastic waste can be reduced,” he explained.

“The plan is for this week. We will replace the plastic bags used by visitors and distribute the bags at the entrance. We might target Pagesangan Market first,” Nizar added.

Furthermore, Nizar mentioned that his agency will allocate a similar budget of Rp 200 million for tote bag procurement again this year.

“The budget is the same (Rp 200 million) for the procurement this year,” he concluded.