Indonesian president launches movement against waste

Speaking at the launch of the Indonesian Planting Movement in Ogan Ilir, Palembang, South Sumatra on April 23, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto urged citizens to begin with simple but impactful actions, such as keeping their surroundings clean and protecting the environment.

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has launched a nationwide campaign to tackle mounting waste crisis, calling for a united effort to build a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful Indonesia.

Speaking at the launch of the Indonesian Planting Movement in Ogan Ilir, Palembang, South Sumatra on April 23, Subianto urged citizens to begin with simple but impactful actions, such as keeping their surroundings clean and protecting the environment.

He also asked universities to devise innovations that can improve the environment and people's housing.

Subianto said he hopes that the spirit of mutual cooperation in protecting the environment can become the new face of a strong and dignified nation.

According to data from the Ministry of Environment, Indonesia generated 69.9 million tonnes of waste in 2023, with food waste accounting for the largest share at 41.6%, followed by plastic, wood, paper, and metal.

In a related news, the Indonesian government in coordination with the International Financial Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, have conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to resolve the waste problem in the Southeast Asian nation.

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono stated that this initiative was undertaken as several regions in Indonesia are currently facing a critical waste management situation.

He noted that with this collaboration, they hope to find a joint solution for waste management.

The official said that his ministry is responsible for waste management infrastructure in Indonesia by providing waste processing infrastructure for the community in the form of building a waste-powered electricity plant (PLTSa).

To implement the plan, several stages must be completed, including strengthening regulations in Indonesia, he said, adding that numerous countries have put into practice transforming waste into electrical energy.

He underscored the need for suggestions and inputs from regional governments to fine-tune policies and technologies of waste processing to their specific regions. He also expressed optimism that the Jakarta Regional Budget (APBD), amounting to 91.34 trillion IDR (5.2 billion USD), could be allocated to address waste issues in the region.

Yudhoyono also highlighted opportunities for inter-ministerial and cross-institutional cooperation to ensure the success of waste management initiatives, particularly through adopting "waste-to-energy" (WTE) solutions, as part of Jakarta's sustainable future agenda./.

VNA

See more

Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri (R) speaks in a meeting on the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Upgrade in Jakarta on May 9. (Photo: VNA).

Indonesia committed to promoting ATIGA Upgrade

The upgrade seeks to modernise the the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) framework, making it more facilitative for businesses and responsive to regional and global challenges.

Malaysia works hard to expand semiconductor ecosystem

Malaysia works hard to expand semiconductor ecosystem

According to Ben Simpfendorfer, head of the consultancy Oliver Wyman Forum, said Malaysia could explore potential areas such as solar panel manufacturing, battery storage systems, and clean energy products.

Thai students and other passengers, many wearing face masks, ride a boat along the Chao Phraya River. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Thailand: Covid resurgence ‘no cause for alarm’

From January 1 to May 10, up to 53,676 COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths have been reported in Thailand. Bangkok recorded the most infections with 16,723 cases, peaking during the week of April 27 to May 3 at 14,349 cases, including two deaths.

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid during a meeting with the head of Asia-Pacific of GSMA, Julian Gorman, in Jakarta on May 8. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia accelerates development of 5G ecosystem

Indonesian Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to building and strengthening the 5G infrastructure and technological ecosystem both nationwide and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Senior citizens in Paltok Elementary School in Quezon City cast their votes, with the help of their relatives on May 12. (Photo: tribune.net.ph)

Philippines holds midterm elections

About 163,000 police officers have been deployed nationwide to ensure security at polling stations, in coordination with the military, fire brigades and other support units. In addition, the government has extended the early voting period for the elderly and people with disabilities, starting at 5 am on May 12.

Thailand aims to reduce workplace accidents

Thailand aims to reduce workplace accidents

The "Safety Thailand" vision is to cut severe work-related injuries from 2.13 persons at present to no more than one per 1,000 workers, and fatalities from 5.3 to a maximum of three per 100,000 workers by 2030.

Thailand marks progress in cross-border cyber fraud crackdown

Thailand marks progress in cross-border cyber fraud crackdown

The "3 Cuts" strategy, including cutting electricity, fuel, and internet access to five locations along the Thailand - Myanmar borders where many scam centres are located, led to a significant reduction in call centre activities along key border areas.