Oriza Joko, Grobogan, C – Java. Three French nationals running from Bali to Jakarta to raise awareness about plastic pollution arrived in Grobogan on Monday, drawing attention to Indonesia's mounting waste challenges and the need for stronger local action.
The runners were welcomed by Grobogan Regent Setyohadi, who praised the initiative as an inspiration for both communities and policymakers to address waste management more seriously.
We appreciate this effort. If people in France are actively managing waste, why shouldn't we? This is a complex and urgent problem that requires faster and better responses, he said.
The initiative comes as Indonesia grapples with a mounting waste problem. The country generates approximately 144,839 tons of waste per day, equivalent to the volume of 12 Borobudur temples yet only about 25% is properly managed.
According to the Grobogan Environmental Agency, the regency generates around 850 tons of waste per day. It operates 17 waste collection sites, with a central landfill in Ngembak, but current capacity is projected to last only about two more years.
If we don't act now, we could face a crisis, Setyohadi warned, adding that the local government is exploring solutions such as converting waste into alternative energy, including fuel for cement production and briquettes.
The runners, including environmental activist Gery Bencheghib, said they were struck by Grobogan's relatively clean and natural environment compared with other areas along their route.
Grobogan is one of the most beautiful and natural areas we've seen. There are traditional joglo houses, rice fields, and not much visible waste in the rivers, Gery said.
The trio began their journey on March 28 in Bali, with Grobogan marking the 13th stop on their cross-island journey. They plan to organize a river cleanup with local authorities on Wednesday as part of their campaign.
The run is backed by Sungai Watch, a community group co-founded by Sam Bencheghib, which focuses on tackling plastic waste in rivers, a major source of marine pollution.
Sam said the organization has installed around 300 trash barriers in rivers, collecting between 6 and 8 tons of plastic waste daily. However, the effort currently covers only limited areas such as Bali, Sidoarjo and Banyuwangi.
About 80% of ocean waste comes from rivers. That's why this is so important, he said.
The runners aim to reach the State Palace in Jakarta on May 24 to deliver their environmental message to the central government and push for expanded river-cleaning efforts nationwide.