Author
Asst Prof Jerry Shalmont
Organisation/Institution
Universitas Pelita Harapan, Faculty of Law
Country
INDONESIA
Panel
Environmental Law
Title
Evaluating Government Support Mechanisms for Waste Banks through a Legal Lens
Abstract
Waste management remains a critical issue in Indonesia, with a significant portion of waste left unmanaged, leading to environmental degradation and health risks. Waste banks, regulated under the Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number 14 of 2021 on Waste Management at Waste Banks (MOEF 14/2021), are community-based facilities aimed at promoting the 3R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and circular economy. This research focuses on the role and challenges faced by Main Waste Banks (BSI) and Unit Waste Banks (BSU) in Medan, including interviews and field visits. For the interviews, this research used purposive sampling by selecting the sample population based on specific criteria to represent the research subject. In this context, BSI Sicanang and BSI Permata Hati were chosen to represent BSI, while BSU Anyelir and BSU Citra Aur were selected to represent BSU. The purpose of these interviews was to obtain primary data from waste bank stakeholders regarding their views and responses toward support from the local government. Findings revealed that although waste banks play a strategic role in waste management, many remain inactive due to limited government support, high operational costs, insufficient facilities, and lack of regulatory clarity. Active waste banks depend significantly on partnerships with private companies through CSR and EPR programs, yet the distribution of such support is often uneven, favoring BSIs over BSUs. The reason is that BSI is considered to have greater capacity, as they oversee and support the development of affiliated BSUs. Although BSI has fulfilled its obligations as stipulated in the regulations, EPR assistance is often not distributed from BSI to the BSUs. Government assistance to BSUs is also frequently misdirected, as it fails to consider the capacity of the BSUs beforehand, leading to increased operational costs.
Biography
Jerry Shalmont is a full-time lecturer and Deputy Head of the Bachelor of Law program at UPH Law School, where she earned both her Bachelor of Laws and Master's degrees in International Trade, Investment, and Competition & Policy. With expertise in Commercial and International Trade Law, she teaches a variety of courses, including Civil Law, Commercial Law, Contract Law, International Trade Law, International Treaty Law, International & Regional Organizations, and Legal Skills. Her research interests span sustainability, consumer protection, and data privacy.
