Indonesia Tackles Waste Crisis: government Pledges Two-Year Solution with Waste-to-Energy ⁢Program

Jakarta,⁤ Indonesia – The Indonesian government is launching ‍an ambitious ⁢two-year plan to⁢ decisively address the nation’s escalating waste crisis, with a strong focus on implementing the ⁤Waste-to-Energy (WTE) or Waste-to-Electricity (PSEL) program. Coordinating ‍Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, ⁤announced the commitment, highlighting President Prabowo Subianto‘s deep concern over the environmental and aesthetic impact of unchecked waste accumulation.

Presidential Mandate to Clear Mounting Waste

During his address at the Indonesia Net-Zero Summit 2025, Minister‍ Hasan revealed President Prabowo’s direct engagement on the issue. “President ⁢Prabowo asked me, ‘Are we just going to let this garbage pile up? As a⁣ major nation, it is indeed embarrassing. At Bantargebang, our garbage is⁣ as tall as a 20-floor building. how will we solve this?’ I told him, ‘Sir, give me a Presidential Decree, and I will solve it in two years,'”⁢ Hasan stated,⁤ underscoring the urgency and high-level backing for the initiative.

The‍ government’s strategy targets ⁤large-scale waste management,especially in regions generating over one thousand tons of waste daily. The core of this strategy is the deployment of advanced waste-to-energy technology, a proven method adopted by⁢ numerous developed nations to ⁤convert waste into a valuable energy source.

Overcoming Bureaucratic Hurdles for WTE Advancement

While the potential of WTE technology is⁢ recognized, Minister Hasan acknowledged the significant challenges encountered in its implementation.”Every time we try to take a step, the process becomes elaborate. Yet,many parties are interested in this ⁢project,” he remarked,pointing to the complex bureaucratic processes that have historically slowed down WTE facility development.

To expedite progress, the government is finalizing a new regulation, expected⁤ within one to two weeks, designed⁣ to streamline the convoluted approval ⁣chain. Previously, WTE projects required a multitude of approvals from various ‍entities, including local councils, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Habitat, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), and the state electricity company, PLN.

The forthcoming⁢ regulation ‍aims to simplify⁤ these procedures substantially. under the new framework, local governments will have a more focused role, primarily⁣ responsible‍ for land provision and waste transportation. Crucially, negotiations with PLN and matters pertaining to ‍subsidies will be managed directly by the⁣ central government, thereby reducing bottlenecks and accelerating project deployment.

this strategic shift is expected to unlock the full potential of WTE technology, offering a sustainable and efficient solution to Indonesia’s pressing⁤ waste management challenges and contributing to the‍ nation’s net-zero ambitions.