VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian Ministry of Environment & Forestry issued a circular to ensure waste management by realizing a less waste homecoming in the homecoming route and during the Eid. In the Circular no. 5 2024 on Waste Management of Eid 1445 Hijriah, Minister of the Environment & Forestry, Siti Nurbaya called the regional heads to invite, facilitate, and monitor waste management during homecoming mainly in the homecoming route and its supporting regions, as well as during the Eid.

Besides, to maintain less waste and anticipate spiking waste production, the circular called for a selected waste facility. It was mainly for food waste, plastic packaging, maskers, and residues at rest areas as well as waste processing based on waste type and production.

Meanwhile, to anticipate difficulties faced by the homecoming people mainly because of the line in the rest area, the ministry also asked for a mobile waste collection and a special tent for a separated waste storage station.

The Environment & Forestry Ministry also asked for a post and special task force to handle homecoming waste in regencies and cities seven days before and after the Eid. They also recommended the field units of the Regional Apparatus Organization that are responsible for the environment, to collect, separate and later transport the waste by cooperating with related stakeholders.

Besides, the ministry also recommended avoiding bringing food or beverage to prayer places. The Environment & Forestry Ministry called for a waste data recording that is managed in the National Waste Management Information System belonging to the ministry. Education to the homecoming people about waste reduction in various channels, including social media needs to be continued. 

Homecoming is an annual tradition of Muslims in Indonesia, especially during Eid. The homecoming or returning to the hometown has a significant boost for the economy, but comes with a challenge namely the waste from the homecoming people that needs positive management. The Indonesian government gives a special attention to the smoothness of the homecoming tradition, both the homecoming flow and the return flow.