Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - Bali Governor Wayan Koster said that the Ministry of Finance will provide incentive funds to the local government with the issuance of Governor`s regulation (Pergub) No. 97 of 2018 concerning the Limitation of Disposable Plastic Waste.
"I have received information that the Minister of Finance is preparing a special scheme to provide incentives to Bali for the implementation of the Governor`s Regulation and our concern for environmental issues. In fact, that is not what we hope for," Koster stated, when delivering the 2018 Final Speech and Welcoming the New Year 2019, at Ksirarnawa Building, Denpasar Cultural Park, on Monday.
According to him, the main foundation for making governor`s regulation 97/2018 is in accordance with Bali`s vision of development in the next five years, namely "Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali" to maintain the sanctity and harmony of Bali`s nature.
"It has received a very good appreciation," he noted in company of the Deputy Governor of Bali Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati.
Regarding the amount of incentives that Bali wants to support the implementation of the regulation, Koster noted that he had not received an offer from the Ministry of Finance because it was still calculating the feasible amount. "What is clear is that Bali must be a `clean and green island` (green and clean island)," he remarked.
The newly appointed governor for three months also expressed his happiness because his policy had also received a positive response from the millennial generation.
"Astungkara (with God`s grace), in 2019, the governor`s regulation (Pergub) will be carried out as well as possible, involving a number of parties," Koster explained.
In the Pergub Bali No. 97 of 2018 concerning the Limitation of Disposable Plastic Waste that was published on Dec 21, there are three materials made from or containing prohibited plastic base materials, namely plastic bags, polysterina (styrofoam), and plastic straws.
Although a number of regencies / cities in the country have similar regulations, Koster claims that the Pergub issued is the first and only at the provincial government level.
"In limiting the generation of plastic waste, this regulation requires every producer, distributor, and supplier, as well as business people to produce, distribute, supply, and provide disposable substitutes for plastic. It also prohibits producing, distributing, supplying, and providing PSP, "he added.
As a form of concern for all parties, government agencies, BUMD, private sector, religious institutions, traditional villages / pakraman villages, communities, and individuals are also prohibited from using disposable plastic.
"In order to implement the limitation of disposable plastic waste to run effectively, the Bali Provincial Government will carry out guidance and supervision by forming teams. The team consists of vertical elements, regional officials, academics, NGOs, businessmen, religious leaders, and community leaders," he pointed out. (*)
Reporting by Ni Luh Rhismawati (ed)
