Jakarta, Aug. 11 -- Indonesia's Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat said the government is seeking to change perceptions by replacing the term scavenger ( pemulung) with "waste sorters" and recognising them as green-collar workers eligible for social protection.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hidayat said the government is providing social protection for waste sorting workers, ensuring the shift toward a green economy also benefits those who have long played a vital role in managing waste.

"We are replacing the term to waste sorters. They play a vital role as the forefront of waste sorting before waste reaches processing facilities. Therefore, they deserve to be called Green Collar Workers or Environmental Heroes, who contribute dire...