Jakarta, March 26 -- Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq estimated an increase of 72 thousand tons in waste during the Eid al-Fitr exodus season.

"Based on projections for the homecoming period based on figures by the Transportation Ministry, which estimates 146 million travelers, the projected (additional) waste during the 10-day homecoming period is around 72,300 tons," Minister Nurofiq stated after inspecting the Rest Area KM 57, Karawang, West Java on Wednesday.

He noted that one of the areas frequented by travelers, including rest areas, might account for about 10-20 percent of that waste generated.

To tackle this issue, the ministry is partnering with state toll road operator PT Jasa Marga to manage waste at rest areas a...