Indonesia accelerates waste-to-energy projects in 30 locations

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government is accelerating the development of waste-to-energy (PSEL) facilities in several priority areas, with three locations soon entering the groundbreaking stage.

"In the near future, three PSEL locations will have their groundbreakings, followed by 12 locations currently being processed by Danantara to enter the partner selection phase, with a target of starting operations in 2028," Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan said in a statement on Saturday.

This acceleration is being carried out in accordance with the mandate of Presidential Regulation Number 109 of 2025.

Currently, around 30 PSEL locations are planned for development over the next few years. According to Hasan, this development uses an urban or agglomeration approach for areas that generate more than 1,000 tons of waste per day.

The minister noted that the development of PSEL is part of a national waste management transformation to reduce the burden on landfills (TPA), generate renewable electricity, and support carbon emission reduction.

At the commemoration of World Environment Day in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on Friday, June 5, Hasan said waste management represents a clear intersection of the three global environmental crises, known as the triple planetary crisis.

These three crises include climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

He mentioned that waste is not simply an issue of city hygiene or public services, but a strategic matter linked to national development, climate commitments, ecosystem protection, quality of life, and food security.

Government data shows that Indonesia generates around 60 million tons of waste per year, with the largest contribution coming from urban areas.

Hasan added that a portion of this waste is still not being managed optimally, making waste management one of the country's most urgent environmental challenges.

In addition to the PSEL system, the government is encouraging the development of other waste management technologies, such as Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), composting, Integrated Waste Processing Sites (TPST), and pyrolysis.

The deployment of these technologies will be adjusted to the characteristics and needs of each region, the minister said.

Furthermore, the government has called for participation from regional governments, the business community, academics, and the public to strengthen collaboration in protecting the environment as part of efforts to safeguard Indonesia's food future.

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Translator: Aria Ananda, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Editor: Arie Novarina

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