Waste sorting as key in converting WTE, minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan said waste sorting at the household is a key point to ensure waste management, including the development of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facilities, runs effectively.

He emphasised that waste processing technology will not operate optimally without changes in people's behavior, particularly in sorting waste at home.

"Waste sorting is no longer an option, but a necessity. If waste is sorted at home, organic waste can be used as compost or animal feed, while inorganic waste can be recycled or processed into energy," Hasan remarked at the Declaration of the Bali Waste Sorting Movement during the Bali Waste Sorting Alert Roll Call at Puputan Margarana Field, Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday (July 7).

According to Hasan, waste sorting at home is a crucial foundation for strengthening upstream waste management, including supporting the development of WTE facilities in Bali.

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He mentioned the government continues to push for accelerated resolution of the waste problem in Bali, including the management of the Suwung Landfill and the development of WTE facilities.

Bali Provincial Government previously reported the region generates around 3,400 tons of waste each day, with Denpasar City contributing the largest share at approximately 1,000 tons daily.

Therefore, the government is targeting the Greater Denpasar WTE facility, with a processing capacity of approximately 1,200 tons of waste per day, to be operational by 2027 as an effort to reduce waste generation and generate energy.

Hasan noted the effective use of waste processing infrastructure depends on active public participation, particularly through sorting waste at home.

"This is the key to effective waste management," he said.

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He then commended the Bali Provincial Government for issuing a Gubernatorial Regulation to encourage waste sorting at source.

Hasan reminded the policy's implementation requires ongoing oversight and education to encourage consistent waste sorting by the community.

On the occasion, the government also honored 10 villages and traditional villages in Bali for their success in implementing source-based waste management.

The awards are expected to promote wider adoption of waste sorting as a cornerstone of the circular economy and sustainable waste management.

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Translator: Aria Ananda, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Editor: Fransiska Ninditya

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