North Jakarta Environment Sub-dept., requiring all freelancers (PHL) to become customers of garbage bank. Each week, they must deposit at least one kilogram per person.

North Jakarta Environment Sub-dept. Head, Slamet Riyadi disclosed the policy has been running since early January. It is an effort to educate garbage banks and minimize garbage.

"Before encouraging the people, our officers set an example first. During this time they are quite enthusiastic, as there are additional income as well," he stated, Monday (2/19).

He admitted, garbage collection by PHL to be deposited to garbage bank does not significantly reduce garbage volume in North Jakarta that reaches 1,000 kilograms per day. But it is hoped that the effort could trigger a widespread awareness to the people.

"Our main focus is to reduce garbage. In Kelapa Gading, its volume has reduced up to five kilograms every week," he said.