Rapid Antigen Packaging Garbage To Polluting Masks At Selogiri Village Beach Banyuwangi

BANYUWANGI - Rapid antigen packaging waste was found floating on the beach of Selogiri Hamlet, Ketapang Village, Kalipuro District, Banyuwangi, East Java.

In addition to the rapid antigen packaging, a search in the field also found waste masks, using latex gloves, and a certificate of rapid antigen results that contained the name of one of the clinics in Banyuwangi.

The garbage piled up on the shoreline mixed with household waste. Some were deliberately burned and most were dragged by the waves and floated in the sea.

It is suspected that the garbage came from the rapid test antigen booth which is now mushrooming around the Ketapang Port.

Head of the Banyuwangi Police Headquarters, Kompol Jeni Al Jauza, said his party and his members had visited the location and secured some evidence.

"We have checked the TKP (the crime scene). We have also secured the BB (evidence) that is at the TKP, we have brought everything. We will then find out who the owner or the person who disposed of the items was", he said, Monday 31 January.

His party also plans to coordinate with relevant agencies to find out whether the rapid antigen packaging is included in the medical waste category or not.

"We will first coordinate with the Health Office and the Environment Agency to ensure whether the medical device wrapping waste is categorized as medical waste or not", he explained.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Banyuwangi Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI), Dr. Yos Hermawan, said that the rapid antigen packaging was not included in medical waste or B3 waste.

"The packaging is not included in medical waste. In contrast to tools or cotton rapid antigens, syringes, expired drugs are medical waste. Latex gloves need to be confirmed first whether they are used for medical purposes or not. Because nowadays many people are also using latex gloves", he said.

However, his party also does not justify the act of throwing garbage in any such place. Because according to him it clearly causes pollution and damages the environment.

"Yes, if it is disposed of carelessly, it is clearly not allowed. Yes, even though the packaging must be disposed of in the right place", he said.