Jakarta, INTI - Researcher from the Hydrodynamics Technology Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Daud Saputra Amare Sianturi, presented the development of a waste-processing vessel as an integrated waste management solution for coastal areas and small islands.
He explained that waste management issues in archipelagic regions such as the Seribu Islands are highly complex. Waste originates from domestic activities, tourism sectors, and marine debris carried from mainland areas.
With daily waste generation reaching around 3 to 4 tons and limited land availability, the implementation of conventional waste treatment technologies becomes increasingly challenging.
“There are three main sources of waste in the Seribu Islands: domestic activities, tourism, and incoming marine debris. Due to land limitations, conventional waste management technologies are becoming a highly sensitive issue,” Daud said during the 15th Researcher Class session on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
According to him, conventional solutions such as incinerators and land-based waste management systems have not been able to fully address the problem. In addition to spatial constraints, public resistance and high operational costs also remain major challenges.
“Many communities reject these systems due to concerns over potential impacts such as odors or disease risks from land-based waste processing,” he added.
Waste Processing Vessel as an Innovative and Sustainable Solution
As an alternative, BRIN is developing a waste-processing vessel concept capable of treating waste directly on-site without requiring additional land. This technology is considered more flexible and adaptable to island conditions, while also reducing reliance on transporting waste to the mainland.
“The vessel does not require land because the processing takes place on water. It is also flexible in dealing with weather conditions and can move between locations. The resulting residue can also be utilized, giving it economic value,” he explained.
Furthermore, research findings show that this innovation not only provides environmental benefits but also has strong economic potential. Local waste processing can reduce logistics costs, create new job opportunities, and support the development of a circular economy based on waste management.
From a social perspective, community acceptance of this innovation is relatively high, provided several key conditions are met. These include comprehensive education prior to implementation, assurance that operations will not disrupt community activities, and integration with existing waste management systems.
“Community acceptance is a key factor. Technological innovation must complement, not replace, existing systems,” Daud emphasized.
In addition, the waste-processing vessel contributes to climate change mitigation efforts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and controlling pollution in coastal ecosystems. Through an integrated approach, this technology is expected to support environmental sustainability while improving the quality of life in island communities.
Looking ahead, BRIN encourages cross-sector collaboration to accelerate the implementation of this technology, involving local governments, industry players, and communities. With proper support, the waste-processing vessel has the potential to become a scalable model for waste management solutions in coastal and small island regions across Indonesia.
Conclusion
BRIN’s waste-processing vessel represents a promising innovation for sustainable waste management in coastal and island regions. By combining environmental benefits, economic value creation, and social acceptance, this technology offers a practical and scalable solution to address Indonesia’s growing waste challenges while supporting climate resilience and circular economy development.
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