TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Environment and Forestry Ministry handed out 2,000 reusable shopping bags in several traditional markets in Jakarta on Friday, July 20, in a bid to reduce the usage of plastic bags.
The shopping bags were woven bags made from lepironia plant that is commonly used by Kalimantan people.
The ministry’s director general of pollution and environmental damage Karliansyah along with his staffers directly distributed the bags to visitors of Santa Market in South Jakarta. “Please use this bag. Don’t use plastic bag anymore,” said Karliansyah while handing out the woven bag.
The program was also conducted in Jambul Market, East Jakarta, and Tebet Market. The ministry initiated the program as a public campaign to reduce the usage of plastic bags.
“We call on the public to not using a plastic bag for shopping anymore. Use reusable bags, it’s okay if it is made from plastic so long it’s reusable,” Karliansyah underlined.
Through the campaign, the public hopefully would aware that plastic waste was not only harmful to self but family, environment, and future generations.
ANTARA