PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - To address the increasingly pressing waste problem, Acting Mayor of Bandung A. Koswara invited all stakeholders to work together in waste management efforts.

This was conveyed by Koswara at a gathering and discussion event with the RW Forum, NGOs, and environmental activists at the Bandung City Hall Auditorium, Wednesday (9/10/2024)

Koswara emphasized that waste management must be carried out systematically and immediately, following the critical conditions at the Sarimukti final disposal site (TPA) in the last two weeks.

"This is the second emergency. We must not allow this situation to continue to repeat itself," he said.

In addition to waste reduction, Koswara also emphasized the importance of making Bandung a zero waste city. The target is not only to reduce the amount of daily waste transportation, but to manage waste independently until it reaches zero.

"We are not only pursuing 140 trips per day, but towards zero waste. To achieve that, the government cannot work alone. All parties must play a role, especially the community as the source of waste," he explained.

According to Koswara, the waste problem is not only located downstream, but also upstream. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is very necessary. He expressed his gratitude to all parties who have cared about the waste issue, and played an active role in educating the public.

The Bandung City Government will also involve various stakeholders to expand the waste sorting campaign. With proper sorting, the waste management process can be faster and more effective.

"We need to build collective awareness. The presence of environmental activists is very strategic. This is a collective task to ensure Bandung is free from waste. The city of Bandung must be an example for other areas in Greater Bandung, because we are the largest waste producers," added Koswara.

He also revealed that waste has economic potential, which needs to be maximized through proper management. For that, education to the community regarding waste processing will continue to be intensified.

"The city government already has a complete system, now it's just a matter of how we use it more creatively. Waste sorting must become a community culture," he said.

As part of the steps forward, the Bandung City Government will periodically monitor and evaluate efforts to reduce waste. Koswara also emphasized the importance of supervision and sanctions for people who do not manage waste properly.

"We will make an action plan that involves all parties," he said.

Koswara is optimistic, through cooperation and active participation of the community, waste management in Bandung City can run effectively and efficiently. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/Revo)