Jakarta, April 17 -- The Indonesian government is stepping up efforts to address the country's waste problems by ending open dumping and tackling marine litter, according to the Minister of Environment.

"We have already stopped open dumping operations, and currently, almost all districts and cities are increasing their budgets for waste management," said Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq on Thursday.

His remarks came in response to criticism from American singer and rapper Azealia Banks, who referred to Indonesia as the "world's rubbish bin."

Nurofiq cited Balikpapan in East Kalimantan as an example, where the local government has doubled its waste management budget. Gianyar in Bali has taken a similar step.

"We can't change everything ov...