Bali Strait Pollution Case Due To Rapid Antigen Wrapping Waste Will Be Legally Processed

BANYUWANGI - The case of rapid packaging pollution in the Bali Strait seems to have a long tail. The government of Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, agreed to bring the case to court.

This was the result of a meeting agreement between Commission I DPRD Banyuwangi, together with a number of Banyuwangi Regional Work Units (SKPD), Thursday 3 February.

Chairman of Commission I DPRD Banyuwangi, Irianto said that although the clinic owner had apologized, it was not enough.

"Not only sorry, legal efforts must still be carried out. There must be consequences for careless clinics," said Irianto.

Even though it was only the rapid antigen packaging which incidentally was not medical waste, according to Irianto, this careless act was a violation. Moreover, the packaging is scattered and causes pollution in the sea.

"Even though it was packaged, it could be exposed to dangerous liquids because this is a COVID-19 problem, obviously it is still dangerous. Moreover, it is thrown away carelessly, the sea is not a trash can. As a result of this problem, Banyuwangi's name is tarnished," he said.

Meanwhile, the acting head of the Banyuwangi Health Service, Amir Hidayat, said his party had delegated the case to the authorities.

"Even though the packaging is not medical waste, the act of disposing of the waste is a violation. Because of the legal process, we have submitted it to the authorities," said Amir.

Previously, Nadia, one of the BT 2 clinic officers as the owner of the garbage scattered in the Ketapang waters, apologized.

The apology was conveyed directly in front of the Banyuwangi Police Chief, Kombes Nasrun Pasaribu, Commander of Kodim 0825 Banyuwangi Lieutenant Colonel Kav Eko Julianto Ramadan, Commander Lanal Banyuwangi, Marine Lieutenant Colonel (F) Ansori.

"We apologize, because here we are less thorough. We will not repeat it again," he said.

Nadia denied that the medical waste management in its place did not meet the SOP. He explained that waste has been classified according to its type. The clinic has also collaborated with third parties in managing its medical waste.

"For medical waste, such as cotton buds or other medical devices, we hand it over to a third party. Meanwhile, the packaging that was accidentally thrown away yesterday was usually burned. But yesterday it finally fell into the sea, we apologize," he said.