Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Ministry of Environment continues to strengthen the role of the education sector in promoting a culture of waste management and environmental conservation.
A total of 789 schools, ranging from elementary (SD), junior high (SMP), senior high (SMA), to vocational schools (SMK) in North Jakarta have officially declared their commitment to becoming Adiwiyata Schools.
This large-scale declaration marks a concrete step in supporting the national target of a Waste-Free Indonesia and fostering environmentally conscious generations from an early age.
In his statement in Jakarta on Wednesday (August 6, 2025), Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasized the importance of making the Adiwiyata program a part of cultural transformation, rather than merely a ceremonial event.
Minister Hanif stressed that the role of school communities—especially teachers—is strategic in shaping the character of young generations who are responsible for the environment.
“Through education at all levels, we hope to form key drivers of cultural transformation in waste management. If we can handle the complexities of North Jakarta, God willing, other districts and cities will be easier to follow,” said Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq in his official statement.
Minister Hanif highlighted that to date, 44 schools in North Jakarta have received Adiwiyata awards—at the city, provincial, national, and independent levels.
Although this achievement is still far from the target, the extraordinary enthusiasm of hundreds of other schools demonstrates a strong commitment to realizing environmentally cultured schools.
Minister Hanif reaffirmed his commitment to directly oversee the waste management system in schools.
All waste—both organic and inorganic—must be managed within the school environment itself through the 3R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), without being disposed of externally.
“This must be handled within each school. We will coordinate with the Mayor to ensure that waste management is carried out properly,” added Minister Hanif.
At the national level, since February 2025, nearly 2,000 schools have joined the Adiwiyata program.
This data reflects a growing trend of awareness and participation from various regions in building a stronger environmental culture. (*)
