Jakarta (ANTARA) – Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, has announced an urgent initiative to combat the rampant river pollution in Jakarta, emphasizing the imminent establishment of a communal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and the necessity of ensuring compliance with waste management regulations among local industries.
Following a river clean-up activity held on Friday, Minister Nurofiq highlighted that a significant portion of the contaminants affecting the Cipinang River originate from domestic or household waste improperly disposed of by the local populace.
“We have to prepare a mandatory communal WWTP for households, and we will check the outlets of all big businesses here,” he stated, reinforcing the need for accountability in managing waste disposal.
In an effort to reinforce industrial compliance, investigators and law enforcement personnel from the Ministry of Environment are set to initiate comprehensive investigations in the near future aimed at identifying violators.
Nurofiq is also planning to reactivate the ministry’s laboratory, which will focus on conducting thorough research on environmental quality standards and pinpointing the sources of pollutants plaguing the rivers.
“We are preparing this in two months, and God Willing, we will certainly start handling the sources of pollutants in January,” he asserted, expressing a strong commitment to addressing the pollution crisis head-on.
Furthermore, he warned business and industrial actors that the law will be rigorously enforced against any non-compliant entities or those found to be polluting waterways, including the vital rivers of Jakarta.
The law enforcement measures will encompass substantial fines in accordance with existing environmental laws and regulations.
According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the national water quality index (IKA) in 2023 was recorded at 54.59 points, reflecting a slight improvement from 53.88 points in the previous year.
Meanwhile, the IKA of Jakarta witnessed a decline, dropping from 41.17 in 2022 to 40.76 in 2023, indicating a concerning trend that necessitates immediate corrective measures.
Earlier, the KLHK urged local governments to enhance water quality by leveraging the Regional Performance Response Index (IRKD) as a tool to evaluate their effectiveness in improving water conditions.
**Interview with Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq on Jakarta’s River Pollution Initiative**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Nurofiq. Following your recent announcement on the initiative to combat river pollution in Jakarta, can you tell us more about the communal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) you mentioned?
**Minister Nurofiq:** Thank you for having me. Indeed, the establishment of communal WWTPs is a top priority for us. Currently, Jakarta has only one operational treatment plant, which is simply not enough considering the massive amount of waste being generated, especially from household sources. By creating mandatory communal WWTPs, we aim to effectively reduce the pollution in our rivers.
**Editor:** You mentioned that domestic waste is a significant contributor to the pollution in the Cipinang River. What steps will be taken to ensure compliance with waste management regulations among local industries and residents?
**Minister Nurofiq:** Compliance is critical. We will enhance monitoring of waste disposal practices among industries and launch educational campaigns to inform residents about proper waste management. Additionally, we will impose stricter penalties on those who violate waste disposal regulations. Our goal is to foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
**Editor:** How will this initiative be implemented and what timeline are you looking at for these communal WWTPs?
**Minister Nurofiq:** We are in the process of designing a comprehensive plan that includes partnerships with local governments and communities. We aim to have initial facilities operational within the next two years. This is a collaborative effort that will require input and participation from all stakeholders, including the residents.
**Editor:** what message do you have for the citizens of Jakarta regarding their role in combating river pollution?
**Minister Nurofiq:** Every individual has a role to play in this initiative. I urge citizens to be proactive in managing their waste, report illegal dumping, and participate in community clean-up activities. Together, we can restore the natural beauty of our rivers and ensure a healthier environment for future generations.
**Editor:** Thank you, Minister Nurofiq, for your insights. We look forward to seeing the positive changes in Jakarta’s environment.
**Minister Nurofiq:** Thank you! Let’s work together for a cleaner Jakarta.