According to a Ministry of Health survey, in 2023 approximately 57% of Indonesian households managed waste by burning it.
Other methods were also used, but their proportions were smaller, as shown in the graph.
The Ministry of Health classifies burning waste as improper handling, similar to discarding it in rivers/ditches, burying it, and littering.
This aligns with the explanation from the Directorate of Hazardous and Toxic Waste Management (B3) of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK).
Quoting information from the B3 Directorate's website, burning waste produces many toxins and chemicals that can be harmful to people and the environment.
Smoke and particulates from burning can also trigger respiratory problems, especially for children, the elderly, asthma sufferers, those with chronic illnesses, and other vulnerable groups.
The B3 Directorate states that waste burning needs to be reduced through public education and government policies.
"Centralized [waste] sources or collection, recycling, transportation, or other disposal methods must be made affordable, convenient, and effective," according to a quote from the B3 Directorate's website.