Today marked the launch of the USAID Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management and Partnership (USAID SELARAS) initiative, a collaborative effort between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Indonesia. This five-year, up to $24.7 million program aims to tackle the pressing issue of waste management across 18 cities and districts in Indonesia.

Key Point

• During today's launch event, mayors and leaders from the participating cities and districts showcased their dedication by signing a declaration to prioritize solid waste management programs and allocate corresponding budgets
• Overall, USAID SELARAS marks a significant stride towards fostering cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban environments in Indonesia. This initiative is propelled by collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility among stakeholders across all tiers of engagement

The program's primary objectives include reducing land-based sources of ocean plastics pollution and methane emissions through sustainable and integrated solid waste management practices. By enhancing recycling rates and improving waste management infrastructure, USAID SELARAS seeks to enhance citizens' quality of life, mitigate environmental harm, and contribute to a sustainable future.

During today's launch event, mayors and regents from the participating cities and districts demonstrated their commitment by signing a declaration to prioritize solid waste management programs and allocate budgets accordingly. This commitment was witnessed by key stakeholders including representatives from the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) and the Ministry of Home Affairs, emphasizing a collaborative approach to addressing Indonesia's waste management challenges.

Mohib Ahmed, Acting Mission Director of USAID Indonesia, highlighted the importance of an integrated upstream-downstream solid waste management system for environmental and community well-being. He emphasized USAID's partnership with local institutions to strengthen governance, expand services, enhance plastic waste markets, improve community practices, and reduce methane emissions.

Ervan Maksum, Deputy of Infrastructure at Bappenas, underscored the alignment of solid waste sector reform with Indonesia's long-term development goals, emphasizing the shift towards a circular economy and the promotion of waste reduction and segregation behaviors.

Restuardy Daud, Director General of Regional Development at the Ministry of Home Affairs, called for concerted efforts across local governments and agencies to establish a solid foundation for improved waste management, aligning local plans with national development strategies.

Following the launch, a dialogue session titled "Commitment to Action Towards Integrated Upstream-Downstream Solid Waste Management Reformation in Indonesia" featured insights from key stakeholders, highlighting strategies, challenges, and opportunities in advancing waste management practices.

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Overall, USAID SELARAS represents a significant step towards achieving cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban environments in Indonesia, driven by collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility among stakeholders at all levels.

Source: https://id.usembassy.gov/u-s-invests-in-indonesias-solid-waste-management-to-improve-public-health-environmental-sustainability/#:~:text=USAID%20SELARAS%20is%20a%20five,and%20integrated%20solid%20waste%20management.