Minister of LH: Local Government Fails to Manage Waste Can Be Imprisoned for up to 10 Years

Minister of Environment and Forestry Hanif Faisol Nurofiq (ANTARA/Putu Indah Savitri)

JAKARTA - Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said that regional governments that fail to manage waste can be jailed for up to 10 years, based on the results of his meeting with the Coordinator of the Inspector of State Civil Servants (Korwas PPNS) at the National Police Headquarters.

"It is approved to activate Articles 40 and 41 of Law 18 of 2008 concerning Waste Management. There are legal sanctions of at least 4 years to 10 years for waste organizers who are negligent," said Hanif as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, February 5.

Based on Article 9 of Law Number 18 of 2008, he continued, the regional government has full authority to manage waste, in this case the regional government of regencies and cities.

Meanwhile, the governor plays the role of supervisor and the minister is in charge of policy formulation.

"So, all waste handling is in the district/city. This has implications, the regent and the mayor have full authority to use all the instruments they have for waste management," said Hanif.

He emphasized that the central government was very serious in ensuring that local governments carried out waste management in accordance with the established norms.

Regarding the firm action against regional heads who are considered negligent in managing waste, Hanif said he would give the latest information on Monday (9/2) next week.

"Maybe on Monday, there will be developments. Today is in the process," said Hanif.

In addition to coordinating with the National Police Headquarters, Hanif also conveyed that the Prosecutor's Office as a public prosecutor had also agreed to use this article in suing the local government to manage waste properly.

The statement was related to the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and Energy Hashim Djojohadikusumo who conveyed that regional heads must comply with the Waste Management Law.

"Please note, this is the consequence of the law that must be implemented. If I'm not mistaken, in the next few days, it will be implemented firmly," he said.

If it is not carried out properly, Hashim said the consequences that await are criminal consequences.

"Regional heads who do not obey and do not enforce and do not protect the environment will be subject to criminal sanctions. Please note, criminal law," said Hashim.