KLHK: Nuclear Technology Can Overcome Plastic Pollution

Director General of Waste Management and Hazardous Toxic Materials (PSLB3) Ministry of Environment and Forestry Rosa Vivien Ratnawati/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - The Director General of Waste Management and Hazardous Toxic Materials (PSLB3) of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Rosa Vivien Ratnawati said nuclear technology can be used to overcome plastic pollution.

"If nuclear technology can be a cheap and effective solution to reduce plastic waste, Indonesia can use it for medium and long-term solutions," Vivien said in the webinar "Using Nuclear Technology to Overcome Plastic Waste, quoted by Antara, Friday, November 5.

According to him, technology and innovation are dynamic and always evolving. Therefore, the government always provides space for researchers, academics, and entrepreneurs to find solutions related to various plastic waste problems.

"However, we must ensure that nuclear technology is safe for human health and the environment," he said.

He said the government implemented five programs to tackle plastic waste pollution. First, the government develops regulations, standards, procedures and criteria for processing plastic waste.

"Secondly, we build local government capacity by managing waste by providing technical support and assistance," said Vivien.

Furthermore, the government continues to strive to increase public awareness and involvement through education so that producers increase their responsibilities and are committed to implementing a roadmap to reduce plastic waste and a circular economy.

"Finally, we build international cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally in forums such as the G20 and ASEAN," he continued.