The Jakarta Environmental Agency has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing waste at the source through a comprehensive overhaul of waste management systems from upstream to downstream. Head of Jakarta Environmental Agency, Asep Kuswanto, emphasized that this effort must begin with waste sorting at the household level. He framed the Idulfitri halalbihalal gathering as more than a cultural tradition, positioning it as a moment for institutional reflection and operational improvement. This perspective highlights the urgency of addressing Jakarta’s persistent waste challenges through systemic change.
Asep Kuswanto stressed that waste management can no longer rely solely on collection and disposal at the final stage. Asep underscored the need for consistent implementation of sorting and reduction practices across all levels of the system. He called on agency personnel to ensure that processes remain uninterrupted from community collection points to final processing facilities. This approach reflects a shift toward a more disciplined and accountable environmental governance model.
At the community level, Asep Kuswanto urged waste management assistants and local facilitators to intensify education and outreach efforts. Asep emphasized that building a culture of sorting and reducing waste requires continuous guidance and public participation. He also highlighted the role of waste collectors in maintaining separation, ensuring that sorted waste is not mixed again during transport. Maintaining this integrity throughout the chain is seen as critical to the system’s overall effectiveness.
Looking further downstream, Asep Kuswanto stated that waste handling at temporary sites and major facilities such as Bantargebang must comply with established standards and procedures. Asep also encouraged the optimization of community-based processing initiatives, including waste banks, composting, and black soldier fly maggot bioconversion. These measures aim to reduce the volume of waste reaching final disposal sites while promoting sustainable practices. Ultimately, he linked these efforts to broader values of responsibility and integrity, emphasizing that environmental management directly impacts public well-being.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
