Deputy Minister confirms govt is open to input EPR regulations

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3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Deputy Environment Minister Diaz Hendropriyono said the government welcomes input and criticism on the formulation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, which requires producers to take responsibility for reducing waste.

“I want to hear input from stakeholders on whether what we are proposing is appropriate; please provide your feedback. I believe that if the input is constructive, we will certainly accommodate it effectively,” Diaz said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He made the statement during the Public Consultation Forum on the draft Ministerial Regulation regarding procedures for waste reduction by producers in Jakarta on Tuesday (Oct 6). Diaz emphasized the importance of stakeholder involvement, particularly that of producers, in drafting the regulation.

Stakeholder input is essential to ensure the EPR policy accommodates the interests of all producers fairly and proportionately.

“All companies must share the same obligation to implement EPR. We currently have ample time to gather input from various stakeholders so that we can create a level playing field for all producers,” Diaz explained.

This new policy is expected to strengthen waste management efforts.

However, Diaz stressed that the policy is not intended to stifle innovation in the development of eco-friendly products, which can actually contribute to reducing waste generation.

He assured that the Ministry of Environment would remain open to accommodating effective innovations that are already in place.

Diaz also noted that the Ministry is open to the implementation of a deposit-return scheme (DRS)—a system where a deposit is paid upon purchase and refunded to the consumer when the used packaging is returned.

“We are also open to the idea of DRS; while the regulations might require specific details, we are leaving room for it rather than closing the door on the concept,” he said.

This public consultation forum brought together senior officials from the Environment Ministry (KLH/BPLH) and representatives from 74 entities, including associations of producers, packaging industries, and recycling industries, as well as local government associations and academics, to gather comprehensive input on the policy.