Recycling on the Rise

Trash has become a pressing Indonesian concern, especially in densely-populated urban areas. According to the directorate of waste management at the forestry and environment ministry, the country amasses a staggering 64 million tons of waste every year. Fourteen percent of this is non-biodegradable plastic, posing a serious threat to the environment. This problem has moved some communities to resolve the problem on their own. Through recycling, they have found a way to manage waste and improve their livelihoods at the same time. In Karang Anyar, a suburb of Makassar in South Sulawesi, residents process trash into household crafts and succeeded in selling their products to as far away as the Netherlands. In Bengkulu, fishermen collect discarded sandals and use them as decorative installations at the Tapak Paderi Beach, attracting many visitors. Tempo English reports on the two recycling movements.