VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita. (ANTARA/ Biro Humas Kementerian Perindustrian)

The Industry Ministry is encouraging the manufacturing industry to embrace technological transformation to usher sustainable development through the concept of green industry.

The concept of green industry calls for the efficient use of resources, recycling of materials, application of environmentally friendly and sustainable processes, and utilization of waste as an alternative energy source.

"Since 2010, the Industry Ministry has bestowed green industry awards upon industries in the country," Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said at the Grand Seminar Indonesia Chemical Engineering Challenge (IChEC) 2021, held online on Saturday.

The implementation of an efficient energy program in the industrial sector is equal to Rp3.5 trillion and the efficient use of water is equal to Rp229 billion in savings, he said."This suggests that the application of the concept has a positive impact on the economy," he remarked.

The recycling industry has developed in Indonesia for quite a long time, and covers recycling of plastic, lubricant, paper, textile, and metal. The recycling industry has contributed to creating a circular economy and helping reduce waste, the minister pointed out.

"Nearly 913 thousand tons of plastic waste are processed every year into a variety of value added products, with economic potential reaching more than Rp10 trillion per year and potential export of derivative products from recycling process reaching US$141.9 million," he said.

The minister said about 600 large-scale industries and 700 small-scale industries across Indonesia are engaged in the recycling of plastic waste, with combined investment of Rp7.15 trillion and production capacity of 2.3 million tons per year//ANT