Environmental Agency Invites Cross-Sector to Anticipate B3 Waste Threats

The Jakarta Environmental Agency increases preparation to face hazardous waste emergency risk in Jakarta. Workshops and emergency simulation for B3 or B3 waste management are held as one of the preparations.

to face emergencies due to hazardous waste

This activity is a follow-up to the Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No 74/2019, which requires each province to have an emergency document in the management of Hazardous and Toxic Materials (B3) waste.

Jakarta Environmental Agency Head, Asep Kuswanto, said the programs are important to prepare several parties to face hazardous waste emergency risk in Jakarta.

Asep added that the workshop is an effort to educate and improve the Regional Working Unit and related parties understanding related B3 waste management.

"We hope that all parties are ready to face emergencies due to hazardous waste that may occur in Jakarta," he said, Wednesday (10/2).

Asep continued that the agency has the responsibility to ensure readiness and rapid response from all relevant agencies.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Environmental Agency Vice, Sarjoko, said cross-sector synergy is important. The workshop is the first step towards a simulation of an emergency drill for B3 waste management which will be carried out in the future.

Previously, the agency held similar workshop at City Hall and attended by participants from Regional Disaster Handling Agency (BPBD), Health Agency, and Fire Handling and Rescue Agency. The participants got an explanation regarding the B3 management emergency document that has been prepared since 2023. The document is used as a basis for preparing an emergency drill simulation scenario.

Speakers from Environment and Forestry Ministry, University of Indonesia, and PT PERTAMINA also shared their experiences and best practices in handling B3 waste. They conveyed that realistic scenario is important to ensure the readiness of all parties.

"This activity is very important to increase capacity in managing B3 waste safely and responsibly. We must ensure that all parties can handle it well, especially in emergency situations, so that the risks and negative impacts can be minimized as effectively as possible," he said.

Head of the Special Work Unit for Services and Community Service of the University of Indonesia's Disaster Risk Reduction Center, Fatma Lestari, emphasized the importance of preparedness in facing emergencies related to B3 waste. According to her, emergency simulation is an effective means to increase preparedness in facing the threat of B3 waste.

"Simulations should be designed as real as possible. So we can train officers to make the right decisions under pressure and in complex situations. Through realistic simulations, it is hoped that a robust and effective emergency response system can be built," she stated.