Enviro News Asia, Bogor — The Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Environmental Control Agency reaffirmed its commitment to preventing land-based waste pollution through a clean-up and tree-planting action along the Cikeas River in Sentul, Bogor Regency, West Java, on Saturday. The activity formed part of the 2026 National Waste Awareness Day campaign.
Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, stated that Indonesia is facing mounting pressure from a waste crisis that threatens environmental quality, public health, and contributes to climate change.
He stressed that unmanaged waste originating from land areas inevitably flows into rivers and oceans, worsening pollution and ecosystem degradation. According to the minister, urgent action is required to cut the pollution chain from upstream sources and transform waste management systems so that waste can be treated as a valuable resource rather than an environmental burden.
During the event, the Majelis Ulama Indonesia reaffirmed its religious ruling declaring the act of dumping waste into rivers, lakes, and the sea as prohibited. The ruling reflects moral responsibility to protect the environment from further damage.
Deputy Secretary-General for Economic Affairs of the council, Hazuarli Halim, explained that the ruling was issued in response to increasing environmental degradation. He emphasized that improper waste disposal not only violates regulations but also contradicts ethical and religious principles aimed at safeguarding public welfare.
Minister Hanif welcomed the reaffirmation of the ruling, describing it as a strategic step in promoting behavioral change. He noted that technical measures and regulations must be reinforced by moral awareness, adding that support from religious leaders plays a crucial role in encouraging public discipline in waste management.
The ministry underlined that effective waste management requires comprehensive efforts, starting from waste reduction at the source, improved public literacy, and consistent law enforcement to prevent river and marine pollution. Through collaboration among the government, religious leaders, businesses, communities, and the public, the ministry aims to curb pollution at its roots and protect the sustainability of Indonesia’s river and marine ecosystems. (*)
