This Mudik Could Be The Cleanest Ever, Minister Launches Trash Sorting Drive
Environment Minister campaigns for a cleaner Mudik! Learn how trash sorting at Trans Java toll rest areas is changing travel habits.
Mudik this year could be the cleanest yet, thanks to a bold campaign by the Environment Minister. From trash sorting to eco-friendly tips, stay tuned Seeds of a Living Planet travelers are encouraged to reduce waste along Trans Java toll rest areas.
Minister Launches Campaign For Waste Sorting
Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Forestry (LH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, recently launched a campaign to encourage waste sorting and minimize trash during mudik travel at rest areas along the Trans Java Toll Road. The initiative took place on Sunday (15/3/2026) as part of efforts to support comfortable and clean travel during the mudik and Lebaran season.
The campaign is part of the national “Nyaman Bersama” program, launched by the government for the Ramadan–Lebaran 2026 period. The program focuses on comfort, safety, and environmental responsibility during mass travel.
During the monitoring visit at several rest areas, Minister Hanif stressed that waste management is the full responsibility of rest area operators. He urged them to implement proper waste sorting and handling practices as a standard.
Monitoring Rest Areas Across Trans Java Toll
The Minister’s field monitoring covered several rest areas strategically located along the Trans Java Toll Road. These included Rest Area KM 57A, KM 102A, KM 166A, KM 287A, KM 338A, KM 379A, and KM 429A.
The selection of these locations was part of efforts to address waste peaks in high traffic zones during seasonal travel periods. Rest areas are often crowded with travelers stopping for breaks, meals, or rest, making waste handling a critical concern.
In addition to monitoring, the ministry also distributed waste sorting facilities to the public at these rest areas. This hands-on approach aimed to make it easier for travelers to participate in proper waste disposal practices.
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Government Directives And Cross‑Sector Collaboration
Minister Hanif emphasized that the campaign is a follow‑up to directives from President Prabowo Subianto during a Cabinet session on March 13, 2026. The President highlighted the importance of maintaining comfort, including waste management, during major travel periods.
The Minister also pointed out the necessity of cross‑sector cooperation. He noted contributions from the police and the Ministry of Health, which provided facilities to support the overall mudik experience for travelers.
This coordinated effort aligns with the broader goal of changing public behavior toward waste management, aiming not only to handle trash at rest areas but also to instill long‑term environmental awareness among travelers.
Promoting Behavior Change And Public Participation
A central message of the campaign is that waste management should involve active participation from the community, not just public authorities. Minister Hanif believes that when travelers see proper waste sorting at rest areas, they are more likely to carry these habits home.
Transforming rest areas into examples of responsible waste management serves to educate the public. By demonstrating how to sort and dispose of waste correctly, the campaign hopes to shift mindsets toward environmental friendliness.
The distribution of waste sorting tools and educational materials is designed to support this shift. These resources help travelers understand how to separate different types of waste, making management more effective from the point of generation.
Part Of National Waste Management Strategy
The waste sorting drive at Trans Java rest areas is part of a broader strategy on waste management education and implementation. The Ministry’s campaign forms part of a 2026 Communication, Information, and Education (KIE) strategy focused on sustainable waste practices.
This strategy is designed to build understanding, acceptance, and active participation from all stakeholders, including governments at all levels, rest area operators, and travelers.
In addition, the initiative supports existing national programs like Mudik Minim Sampah, which encourages trash reduction during seasonal travel nationwide. The goal is to make mass mobility periods cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
Image Source:
- First Image from kemenlh.go.id
- Second Image from news.detik.com
