Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Ministry of Environment of Indonesia and the Ministry of Trade of Indonesia emphasized the importance of maintaining clean, healthy, neat, and beautiful (ASRI) traditional markets to support sustainable people-centered economic growth.
Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency Hanif Faisol Nurofiq and Minister of Trade Budi Santoso delivered the message during a market clean-up initiative at Kramat Jati Market in East Jakarta.
The initiative aims to strengthen waste management and cleanliness in traditional markets, particularly in Jakarta, as part of efforts to improve the quality of life for traders, consumers, and surrounding communities. The policy also aligns with the Asta Cita national development vision of President Prabowo Subianto, which emphasizes strengthening the people’s economy while maintaining harmony with nature and culture.
Hanif said that nearly all traditional markets in Jakarta have received administrative sanctions requiring them to manage their waste more responsibly.
“Traditional markets are symbols of culture where people from different backgrounds gather. Therefore, the cleanliness of markets should reflect the culture and values of the community in each region,” he said while leading the clean-up activity.
Jakarta is currently facing a serious waste management challenge. According to the 2025 waste management evaluation, the city generates around 8,700 tons of waste per day, but only 1,700 tons, or about 22.35 percent, are properly managed. The situation highlights the need for stronger upstream waste management systems, particularly in economic hubs such as traditional markets.
Hanif emphasized that improving market cleanliness is not only an environmental priority but also an economic one.
“ASRI markets supported by good governance will increase trust among traders and consumers while strengthening the competitiveness of local economies,” he said.
Meanwhile, Trade Minister Budi Santoso noted that the clean market movement is an important step toward improving public health and consumer comfort.
“When markets are clean and healthy, more people will come to shop,” he said.
The Ministry of Environment also called on all stakeholders—including national and local governments, businesses, environmental groups, and youth communities—to work together to strengthen waste management systems from upstream to downstream.
Efforts to manage waste at the source, including through waste segregation in traditional markets, are expected to foster a culture of cleanliness while supporting sustainable community-based economic development. (*)
