PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - Garut Deputy Regent Putri Karlina led a joint roll call within the Garut Regency Government (Pemkab) which took place at the Garut Regency Regional Secretariat (Setda) Field, Jalan Pembangunan, Tarogong Kidul District, Monday (19/10/2026). On that occasion, she emphasized the importance of waste management starting from its source as a step to improve the waste system sustainably.

In her address, Putri urged all civil servants (ASN) and the people of Garut to be grateful for the clean and comfortable environment. She also expressed empathy and prayers for the people of Sumatra, Kalimantan, and other areas affected by forest and land fires (karhutla).

In addition to highlighting the issue of forest and land fires, Putri also discussed the accumulation of waste in Garut Regency following the recent fire at the Pasir Bajing Landfill. She commended all parties and regional officials across sectors for their hard work in handling the fire and restoring the landfill's operations.

Putri emphasized that the reopening of Pasir Bajing Landfill is not the end of the waste problem, but rather a momentum to improve the waste management system in Garut Regency.

"I need to remind you once again that the reopening of Pasir Bajing Landfill is not the final outcome, but rather a turning point for us to improve our waste management system, especially in Garut Regency," he said.

To formulate management steps after the landfill reopens, Putri has engaged experts, environmental activists, and youth groups through collaborations and environmental workshops. The series of discussions concluded that waste management needs to start at the source, where the waste is first generated.

"What does 'upstream' mean? It means 'at the head'. Whose head is it? It could be a house, a household, an office, a school, an agency, a company. It means the trash can is the first place it's produced," he continued.

Putri reminded that waste accumulation impacts public comfort, urban cleanliness, and the potential for reducing tourist attractions. Therefore, the public and civil servants are urged not to rely entirely on landfills for waste management.

"So, my colleagues, please, we've already felt the impact for five, six days. Piling up trash is very uncomfortable and very annoying. It's also bad for city planning, and it could reduce visitor numbers. I can't imagine what will happen when the Pasir Bajing landfill is completely unusable, and where will the waste go?" Putri said.

Going forward, the Garut Regency Government will strengthen waste management regulations by emphasizing shared responsibility between the government and the community. Putri emphasized that waste reduction efforts must begin with the awareness of each individual, whether in households, offices, schools, or businesses.

"So, when the time comes for regulations related to waste to be strengthened, we must reiterate that waste is largely the responsibility of each individual," he emphasized.

(Garut Communications and Information Service/rka)