DENPASAR, Sept 26 (Bernama-ANTARA): Indonesia’s Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has given tourism accommodation owners in Bali, such as hotels, three months to manage their waste.
Hanif, speaking on the sidelines of a tree planting event at Kehati Park in the Ayung River Basin, Denpasar, on Friday, stated that the policy is primarily aimed at star-rated hotels.
"We have conducted an evaluation of all elements, including the responsibilities of star-rated hotels in Bali. We have evaluated the cities of Denpasar and Badung. This afternoon, we will discuss the results of the evaluation," he said.
The Minister explained that star-rated hotels are the initial target because they typically have high turnover, which means they also produce large volumes of waste and garbage.
After hotels, the Environment Ministry will next target star-rated restaurants to manage their waste.
"So, we are controlling those (star-rated hotels) first. This afternoon, we will discuss with the Governor of Bali and the accommodation businesses to give them three months to improve," he said.
The government will require businesses to improve their waste management practices, and then assess and label hotels that meet the requirements.
Meanwhile, the Environment Minister stated that he would not hesitate to impose sanctions on hotels that violate the regulations, given the severity of the waste situation in Bali. He added that the regulations imposed on businesses are not difficult and should be easy to follow.
"Because Bali is important, every wrong step we tolerate will inevitably lead to damage," he emphasised.
"Therefore, for Bali, with its rich local wisdom not found elsewhere, we must develop this measure," he said.
Hanif said that the waste management policy must be implemented by accommodation businesses throughout Bali, although the new policy has only been evaluated in Denpasar and Badung.- Bernama-ANTARA
