VP Gibran checks progress of Palembang waste-to-energy project

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka directly reviewed the development of the Keramasan waste-to-energy (WtE) plant in Palembang, South Sumatra, to ensure it remains on track to bolster environmental sustainability while strengthening energy security.

He inspected the project site on Thursday (July 16), according to a statement from the Vice Presidential Secretariat received in Jakarta on Friday.

During the visit, Gibran received a detailed briefing from plant operational manager Satriawan Kirana, who highlighted the project’s role in reducing waste accumulation on a large scale.

Kirana explained that the Keramasan WtE plant is designed to process 1,000 metric tons of waste generated in Palembang per day into 17.7 megawatts of renewable energy, which will be supplied to the city's electricity grid.

He explained that the facility will employ two moving-grate incinerators, each capable of processing 500 tons of waste per day. The mechanical grates gradually shift, turn, and roll the refuse to ensure complete combustion while moving it from the inlet zone to the ash disposal area.

The vice president then inquired about plans for handling the resulting ash and was told it would be recycled rather than treated as toxic and hazardous residue.

According to Kirana, the ash will be repurposed as construction material, including reclamation fill and paving blocks.

He further emphasized that this approach is intended to broaden the role of the WtE plant beyond waste and energy management, positioning it as a contributor to the local economy.

A report from the construction supervision and management consultant on June 30 showed that physical development of the Keramasan WtE plant had reached 89.16 percent. The facility is targeted for completion by October 2026.

Once operational, the plant is expected to significantly ease Palembang’s waste burden while advancing the city’s transition toward clean energy.

Related news: Waste sorting as key in converting WTE, minister

Related news: Minister pushes 'carrot and stick' approach in waste management

Translator: Prisca Triferna, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Primayanti

Copyright © ANTARA 2026