Banjarbaru Mayor encourages waste management revolution from upstream

Banjarbaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Banjarbaru Mayor Erna Lisa Halaby stated that waste handling must start from households, which are the upstream part of waste management.

The Mayor made this statement when visiting neighborhood unit (RT) 33 of community unit (RW) 07, Syamsudin Noor Urban Village, Landasan Ulin Sub-district, to observe community's waste management practices on Thursday.

"I come to ensure that the enthusiasm of waste management from the source is truly alive. What the residents are doing proves that limitations are not the barrier to innovation," she said.

Residents in this area have implemented MARKISSA (Let's Donate Waste) program to manage inorganic waste into economic value, and SUSTER (Sanitation Composter Well).

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Head of RT 33 RW 07, Yoni Setiawan, expressed his pride for the visit which motivated residents to consistently manage waste starting from the household level.

The Mayor and entourage continued to Jalan Pandawa, Citra Berlian Complex, RT 03 RW 05, Guntung Paikat Urban Village, South Banjarbaru Sub-district, to find out about waste management at that location.

"Everyone must take action now, because waste sorting begins at home to support beautiful environment and healthy living, including processing organic waste directly in the environment," she said.

Guntung Paikat Urban Village Head Reza Pahlevi said the visit became a momentum to expand waste sorting movement, which is encouraged through the habit of sorting waste at home.

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Head of South Banjarbaru Sub-district Muhammad Firmansyah believes that community enthusiasm is a key driving force, as community participation, especially among women, is crucial to build the movement as a culture.

Currently, 11 neighborhood units (RTs) have been designated as pilot areas, with plan to expand gradually to all areas in Banjarbaru. All areas are expected to implement waste managegment from the source.