Encourage The Culture Of Waste Sorting, Welcoming A Clean And Sustainable Environment

JAKARTA - The waste problem is not only a local issue, but has also become a global issue that must be addressed immediately. Waste is produced every day by each individual, and if not handled properly, it can have a serious impact on the environment and public health.

Kudus Regency, which has faced waste problems for years, is now trying to find innovative solutions by involving various parties, including the public and the private sector.

According to the Head of the Housing, Settlement and Environment Agency (PKPLH) of Kudus Regency, Abdul Halil, the final disposal site (TPA) in Kudus is more than 30 years old and more full. Therefore, it is time for the government and society to find solutions so that this waste problem does not worsen.

He expressed this through the Inauguration of the Kudus Asik Digital Movement and Appreciation of 370 Organic Waste Management Partners organized by the Djarum Foundation (BLDF) Environmental Service through the Kudus Apik Resik (Kudus Asik) movement.

"It cannot be postponed and every day people throw garbage," said Halil, during a visit to Djarum Oasis Kretek Factory, Bacin, Kudus, Central Java on Wednesday, February 26.

Therefore, collaboration from various parties is needed so that waste management can run effectively and sustainably. One of the main challenges in waste management is the habit of people still mixing organic and inorganic waste in one container.

The Kudus Regency Government has initiated various innovations in waste management, one of which is the Mandiri Waste Village program, which has been implemented in Kedondong Village, Demak, Central Java.

This program encourages rural communities to process their waste independently so that not all of them end up in the TPA. This program also involves the private sector, such as the Djarum Foundation to support its implementation.

In addition, the Kudus government has also implemented a waste sorting policy based on a different transportation schedule.

"Our officers are set to pick up organic waste on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while inorganic waste is taken on Tuesdays and Thursdays," said Halil.

With this policy, it is hoped that the amount of waste entering the TPA can be significantly reduced. However, this change in the waste management system does not always run smoothly.

There are still people who think that paying waste fees is enough, without the need to participate in sorting waste from home. In fact, sorting waste is not only the government's job, but a shared responsibility for better environmental sustainability.

Deputy of the Djarum Foundation Environmental Service Manager Program, Redi Joko Prasetyo, said that the waste problem in Kudus is increasingly complex and requires cooperation from various parties, including the private sector.

"The key to solving waste is sorting. Waste must be sorted properly so that it can bring benefits," said Redi.

The Djarum Foundation has taken a role in dealing with organic waste, which is considered the dirtiest and most difficult to manage. By effectively sorting organic waste, this waste can be processed into fertilizer to support environmental reforestation and sustainability in Kudus.

"Inorganic waste is cleaner environmentally and has a selling value, both in waste banks and through scavengers," added Redi.

One of the biggest challenges in waste management in Kudus is changing people's habits in disposing of waste. So far, many people throw garbage without sorting it out, making it difficult to recycle and further processing.

"To invite people to sort waste and change this culture is not easy. Garbage that is dumped is usually mixed between organic and inorganic. In fact, if you sort it out from the start, the benefits will be much greater." said Redi.

With the education program and strict waste sorting policies, it is hoped that the Kudus community will be increasingly aware of the importance of good waste management. In addition to reducing the TPA's burden, waste sorting also opens up opportunities for recycling.