PORTALJABAR, BEKASI REGENCY - Acting Regent of Bekasi Dedy Supriyadi attended the Sub-regional Workshop on Hazardous Wastes and Chemical Emergencies.

This activity was attended by participants from 18 representatives of the Ministry of Environment from countries in the Asian Region, taking place at the Nuanza Hotel, Bekasi Regency, Monday (14/10/2024).

The workshop was initiated by the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Secretariat (BRS Secretariat) which is the Multilateral Environment Agreement of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) together with the Joint Environment Unit (JEU) of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

On that occasion, the Basel and Stockholm Conventions Regional Centre for Southeast Asia (BSCRS-SEA) was appointed by the BRS Secretariat as the implementer of this workshop.

In his speech, Dedy said, emergency response handling of hazardous and toxic materials (B3) and B3 waste requires serious attention and cooperation from all relevant stakeholders. Moreover, the more rapid the development of industry and technology, of course the risks posed by hazardous and toxic waste are also increasing.

"This workshop is held as an effort to strengthen our capacity in preventing and mitigating the impacts caused by hazardous and toxic materials (B3) and B3 waste in various companies," he said.

According to him, the workshop not only increases synergy between stakeholders and between countries, but can also strengthen the capacity of industrial area managers, especially those in Bekasi Regency, in preventing and overcoming the negative impacts caused by B3 and B3 Waste.

"I hope that by holding this emergency response training, simulation and discussion, it can improve preparedness and good coordination between local governments, companies, and the community in dealing with potential incidents due to B3 and its waste. If an emergency occurs, we are able to provide a quick, precise and effective response to minimize negative impacts," he said.

Director of B3 and Non-B3 Waste Management, Directorate General of PSLB3 at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, Achmad Gunawan Widjaksono, hopes that the vision and mission of the results of the discussions carried out can realize the synchronization of company procedures. So that local governments can take policy steps related to companies that have the potential to dispose of industrial B3 waste carelessly.

He said that B3 waste is a hazardous chemical that can cause problems for companies and workers, so area managers must be more careful regarding emergency management, good practices for maintaining companies, and preparing emergency conditions if necessary.

"Companies that dispose of waste carelessly will receive legal sanctions, especially industrial B3 waste that is dangerous for both the company and workers. This discussion is expected to produce the best vision and mission for local governments in implementing policies," he said.

Also present were the Director of B3 and Non-B3 Waste Management, Director General of PSLB3, Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia Achmad Gunawan Widjaksono, Representative From Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Convention Secretariat Miss Francesca Cenni, Director of the Basel and Stockholm Convention Regional Center for Southeast Asia Anton Purnomo, President Director of the Ejip Region Mr. Kenichiro Yoshida.