Jakarta, Indonesia – In a heart-wrenching statement, the Perkumpulan Pemulung Indonesia Mandiri – Ikatan Pemulung Indonesia (PPIM-IPI), representing over 600,000 waste pickers across Indonesia, has expressed profound concern over the Indonesian government’s recent decision to close 343 dumpsites. This action, based on Indonesia’s Waste Management Law, threatens to disrupt the livelihoods of thousands of waste pickers, leaving them with no means of income or support.
Pak Pris Polly, Chairman of PPIM-IPI and Executive Council Member of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP), emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating:
“Today, waste pickers across Indonesia are united in mourning. The closure of these dumpsites jeopardizes the survival of our families. We urge the Indonesian government to engage with us before making these closures final. Our work is essential to the recycling economy and environmental protection.”
In response to this urgent issue, the IAWP delegation, led by Maditlhare Koena (Treasurer), Krishna (Vice President of Thyajya Shramika Sangha from Bengaluru), and Kabir Arora (General Secretary), recently visited Indonesia to stand in solidarity with the country’s waste pickers. The delegation toured the largest dumpsite in Southeast Asia, Bantar Gebang, and met with local waste pickers to better understand the impact of the closures on their communities.
Maditlhare Koena reassured the Indonesian waste pickers:
“We will take your concerns to the world. The IAWP stands with you in your fight to preserve your livelihoods and ensure a future where waste pickers are recognized for their critical role in waste management.”
The closure of the dumpsites will significantly affect not only the livelihoods of waste pickers but also disrupt the ongoing efforts to reduce waste through recycling and material recovery. The PPIM-IPI emphasizes that its work, which includes the recovery of materials such as plastic, paper, and metal, plays a vital role in Indonesia’s recycling industry and contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing landfill waste and carbon emissions. At a national level, waste pickers recover approximately 84,688,080 kg of waste per day, through more than 4.2 million waste pickers, significantly contributing to the recycling system and reducing environmental impact. The PPIM-IPI is calling on the Indonesian government to reconsider its decision and recognize the invaluable contribution of waste pickers to the national economy and environment. They urge the government to create a more inclusive, fair, and humane policy for waste management that involves waste pickers as key stakeholders in the process.
The PPIM-IPI has outlined several key demands for the government:
- A fair and just implementation of the Waste Management Law that includes incentives for waste pickers who contribute to recycling efforts.
- Recognition of waste pickers as formal workers with rights to fair wages and working conditions.
- Stronger collaboration between the government and waste picker associations to improve recycling rates and waste management across the country.
- Active involvement in the global recycling economy, contributing to the reduction of plastic waste and environmental pollution.
The PPIM-IPI is also calling for international solidarity in supporting Indonesian waste pickers and encouraging global recognition of their essential role in the waste management sector.
As Pak Pris Polly concluded:
“This is not just an Indonesian issue, but a global one. We ask for the support of the international community to ensure that waste pickers are not left behind in the transition towards better waste management systems.”
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Nicolás Martínez
Communications Manager, International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP)
Email: comms@globalrec.org
Pak Priss Polly
Chairman of Indonesia’s Waste Pickers Union (PPIM-IPI)
Email: Bpp.ipi@yahoo.com
About PPIM-IPI
The Perkumpulan Pemulung Indonesia Mandiri – Ikatan Pemulung Indonesia (PPIM-IPI) is the leading association of waste pickers in Indonesia, representing over 600,000 individuals who contribute to waste recycling and environmental sustainability. Through advocacy, training, and community support, PPIM-IPI works to improve the lives of waste pickers while promoting sustainable waste management practices in Indonesia.
Web: www.si-ipi.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Ikatan_pemulung_indonesia_ipi
About IAWP
The International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP) is a global network supporting waste pickers worldwide. IAWP works to improve the rights, safety, and working conditions of waste pickers while promoting the recognition of their role in the global recycling economy.
Web: www.globalrec.org
Instagram: www.instagram.com/globalrec_org
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