Indonesia targets waste management overhaul in 40 cities by 2028

Wonosobo, Central Java (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has set a target of tackling waste management issues in 40 major urban regions nationwide by 2028, according to Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan.

Speaking in Wonosobo, Central Java, on Sunday (July 12), he said the sweeping initiative would proceed in stages, with 24 cities, including Palembang and Medan, prioritized for completion next year.

“God willing, we will handle waste management in around 50 percent of the targeted cities by 2027. The plan is to tackle the remaining 50 percent by 2028,” Hasan remarked during a public dialogue on food security and environmental sustainability.

He emphasized that the government considers the program essential to improving quality of life in urban communities, particularly Jakarta, Bekasi, Surabaya, Bandung, Tangerang, and Bali.

To that end, he said the government aims to prioritize handling landfill sites generating more than 1,000 metric tons of waste daily, notably Bantargebang in Bekasi, West Java, and Jatiwaringin in Tangerang, Banten.

The minister argued that overhauling waste management systems is crucial not only for city cleanliness but also to curb environmental degradation, citing risks of pollution in rivers, coastal areas, and the sea.

Responsible waste management, he added, is vital for Indonesia’s path toward becoming a developed country.

“If we are not capable of handling waste and safeguarding the environment, how can Indonesia emerge as a developed country?” Hasan affirmed.

Against that backdrop, he said the government had begun efforts to meet the target, including by preparing a strong legal foundation.

He noted that he had requested President Prabowo Subianto to issue a decree authorizing him to lead coordination on waste and environmental challenges, which he described as closely linked to the food sector.

On that note, he conveyed his intention to strengthen coordination with the Environment Ministry to ensure the target is met.

Reaffirming his commitment, Hasan said he was prepared to accept public criticism should the government fail to achieve the waste management target.

Related news: Indonesia to expand waste-to-energy projects beyond Bali: Minister

Related news: Indonesia targets to resolve 80 percent waste problem by 2029

Translator: H. Suyitno, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Primayanti

Copyright © ANTARA 2026