Indonesia Expands Waste-to-Energy Plants for Sustainable Power
Lamseen – The Indonesian government is ramping up efforts to expand waste-to-energy plants (PLTSa) to manage the country’s rising waste levels and growing population. Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan emphasized this commitment during an inspection of the Merah Putih PLTSa and the Refuse Derived Fuel Plant at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Treatment Site in Bekasi, West Java.
Hasan stressed that public awareness campaigns alone are insufficient to curb the increasing waste volume. Instead, he pointed out that technology-driven solutions are essential to tackling the issue effectively. “There is no other choice but to utilize technology,” he stated. The government aims to streamline regulations by merging three existing presidential decrees into a unified framework for waste-to-energy initiatives.
The new policy will establish clearer guidelines for local governments and private investors, ensuring the rapid development of PLTSa infrastructure. These facilities will help reduce landfill dependency, lower environmental pollution, and contribute to Indonesia’s renewable energy goals. Authorities are also prioritizing investment incentives and funding mechanisms to encourage private sector participation in waste-to-energy projects.
With a growing waste crisis in major urban centers, Indonesia is committed to leveraging innovative solutions to transform waste into a valuable energy resource.
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Minister Zulkifli Hasan emphasized the urgency of accelerating waste-to-energy plant (PLTSa) development, highlighting that despite Presidential Regulation No. 35 of 2018 mandating PLTSa projects in 12 cities, only two facilities are currently operational. These include the Benowo PLTSa in Surabaya, East Java, and the Putri Cemplo PLTSa in Solo, Central Java.
To address this lag, the government plans to consolidate existing regulations, making it easier for investors to participate. Hasan explained that under the new framework, businesses will only need a permit from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) before signing a contract with state-run electricity company PLN. This streamlined process eliminates the need to navigate regional government approvals or deal with multiple agencies, making investment in waste-to-energy projects more accessible and efficient.
Beyond electricity generation, the government is also promoting the conversion of waste into fuel for the cement and steel industries. This initiative aims to reduce landfill dependency while providing an alternative energy source for heavy industries.
During a site visit to the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Treatment Site in Bekasi, key officials, including Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, and Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing waste-to-energy initiatives. The government remains focused on attracting investment, accelerating project timelines, and integrating waste-to-energy solutions into Indonesia’s broader sustainability goals.
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