Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq estimated an increase of 72 thousand tons in waste during the Eid al-Fitr exodus season.
"Based on projections for the homecoming period based on figures by the Transportation Ministry, which estimates 146 million travelers, the projected (additional) waste during the 10-day homecoming period is around 72,300 tons," Minister Nurofiq stated after inspecting the Rest Area KM 57, Karawang, West Java on Wednesday.
He noted that one of the areas frequented by travelers, including rest areas, might account for about 10-20 percent of that waste generated.
To tackle this issue, the ministry is partnering with state toll road operator PT Jasa Marga to manage waste at rest areas and has issued a circular for waste management during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Through this circular, the Environment Ministry supports area managers, such as PT Jasa Marga, in handling waste at their locations to prevent overloading final waste processing sites (TPA).
The collaboration is expected to be implemented in 27 rest areas directly managed by PT Jasa Marga.
He explained that while two trucks typically collect waste daily at Rest Area KM 57, ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations, this number has risen to five trucks per day due to increased waste volume.
His side issued Circular No. 02 of 2025 regarding Waste Management during Eid al-Fitr 1446 Hijri to curb waste generation during the holiday period.
In the circular, he emphasized the role of local governments in facilitating and supervising waste management, especially on homecoming routes and buffer areas.
The ministry also urged local governments to intensify educational efforts regarding waste reduction to the public.
