Minister asks public to join war on plastic waste

Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has appealed to the public to join the war on plastic waste and put a halt to marine littering.

"Citarum River has become a model for restoration, including reforestation of its upstream area," Pandjaitan remarked here on Friday.

However, some companies continue to litter the river, thereby hindering progress in the river restoration program.

"We have urged the regional police to take legal measures. We have warned them, and now, owners of companies that litter the river must bear the legal consequences," he emphasized.

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Earlier on in the day, the minister had launched the Bersih Pantai Manado, a campaign to clean Manado beach.

Military and police personnel, environmental activists, and participants of the Archipelagic Island States Forum attended the launch.

"We continue to face several problems (regarding plastic waste). However, as we can see, there is less waste in the waters as compared to last year," he added.

The minister expressed hope that the campaign would run continually.

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