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Top official orders ban on single-use plastic in Home Ministry building
Tjahjo Kumolo says staff at the Home Ministry building, including canteens, have to stop serving water in disposable plastic bottles or cups.
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Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo (center), who is also head of the National Agency on Border Management (BNPP), takes a seat in the House of Representatives building on Monday ahead of a hearing with the House Commission II overseeing home affairs. Tjahjo was there to discuss the budget allocation for border
management. (The Jakarta Post/Dhoni Setiawan)
H
ome Minister Tjahjo Kumolo has begun a battle against plastic waste, ordering all officials under the ministry, including canteens in the building in Central Jakarta, to refrain from using single-use water bottles, cups and straws.
He made the call for all officials within the Home Ministry and the National Border Management Agency (BNPP) on Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara to support the eco-friendly movement on Monday.
"Starting today, let's stop drinking water in [single-use plastic bottles] and stop using plastic straws both during official events and every day at the office," Tjahjo said as quoted by Antara.
The minister also asked his staff to install posters and banners around the ministry to promote the green movement.
"Counters that sell food within the office compound also have to stop using plastic. They have to serve water with a glass," he said.
The movement to reduce plastic waste in the country has gained more attention following the recent discovery of 5.9 kilograms of garbage inside the stomach of a dead sperm whale on Kapota Island, Southeast Sulawesi.
At least 115 plastic cups, 19 hard plastic pieces, four plastic bottles and 25 plastic bags were found among the garbage inside the animal's stomach.
Vice President Jusuf Kalla previously said that the government was mulling over measures to reduce plastic waste, including disincentive for consumers who use plastic bags. (evi)
