With millions out of town, Jakarta produces less trash on Idul Fitri

With at least 17.6 million people joining the exodus to their respective hometowns, Jakarta produced far less trash on Idul Fitri, an official has said.

Head of the city's Sanitation Agency Isnawa Adji said daily trash reached almost five times what it was last Wednesday when Muslims celebrated the end of the fasting month.

Bantar Gebang waste treatment facility in Bekasi, West Java received 5,586 tons of garbage daily, while on Wednesday there was only 1,218 tons, according to Isnawa.

"We had estimated garbage would decrease since last Saturday as most citizens return to their hometowns for the annual Idul Fitri festivities," Isnawa said.

He added that the waste treatment facility had continued processing garbage during the festivities of July 6 and 7 with 131 staff working although it was a holiday. Contract workers were deployed to areas where residents celebrated the eve of Idul Fitri and conducted morning prayers where newspapers are used under prayer mats.

"We were prepared to clean up the city for the Idul Fitri holiday by deploying contract workers and road sweepers at tourist attractions," he said. Many local tourists swamp the Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah miniature park for the occasion, among other places. (rez/dan)

Source: With millions out of town, Jakarta produces less trash on Idul Fitri