JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Government has expressed appreciation for the initiative by journalists to campaign for reducing plastic waste during the 2026 Papua Journalists' Halal Bihalal event in Jayapura City. The activity was seen as being in line with efforts to protect the environment in the region.

Assistant III of the Papua Regional Secretariat, Susana Wanggai, representing the Governor of Papua, said that members of the press have an important role not only in delivering information, but also in building public awareness, including on environmental issues.

"Once a journalist, always a journalist. Their duty is to convey the truth to the public, including educating people about important matters such as protecting the environment," Susana said in Jayapura on Saturday (April 11, 2026).

The plastic-free campaign was implemented by not providing drinks in single-use packaging. Instead, the committee prepared glass tumblers for participants to use throughout the event.

Susana expressed hope that similar initiatives would continue to be developed as part of a shared effort to protect the environment while also strengthening the role of journalists in building public awareness in the Land of Papua.

Committee Chair Hendrina Dian Kandipi said the step reflected a shared commitment to reducing the use of single-use plastics.

"We agreed not to use plastic bottles during the event. From here, we want to encourage awareness that change can begin with small things," she said. ***