Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has appealed to travelers to minimize waste during the homecoming trip by carrying their own shopping bags and utilities.

When contacted by ANTARA from here on Wednesday, the ministry’s director of waste handling, Novrizal Tahar, said that his side has issued Circular Letter Number 5 of 2024 concerning Waste Control during Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijri.

The circular has been issued to ensure optimal waste handling during the Eid homecoming period.

He stressed that travelers need to be proactive in checking the accumulation of disposable plastic waste, for instance, by carrying their own shopping bags and drinking bottles.

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He said that this year’s circular also marks the ministry’s seventh year in promoting minimal waste production during the Eid exodus.

His side has been promoting the program since 2018, and it has now become an integral part of the National Eid Exodus Program.

“The minimum garbage during Eid exodus (program) has become an inseparable part of the national exodus, so all national components (need to) distribute information on this,” Tahar said.

The ministry is also urging travelers to carry food containers and take enough food as well as dispose of waste separately according to category.

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“Our target is (ensuring) exodus area operators starting from the terminals, rest areas, and stations (apply the circular’s directives),” he informed.

The ministry has asked public facility managers to provide segregated waste containers and coordinate with local governments to ensure optimal waste management during the homecoming period.

Earlier, the Ministry of Transportation projected that the number of Eid exodus travelers could reach more than 190 million this year. The homecoming period started from April 3, or D-7 before Eid, and the peak is estimated on April 8.