Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat, has set a target for Indonesia to achieve zero waste balance by 2029 through the deployment of various waste-processing technologies tailored to the needs and conditions of each region.
Jumhur announced the target during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bogor Raya 1 Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facility in Bogor Regency, West Java, on Thursday.
“Areas without WTE facilities must also achieve zero waste balance. Everything must be addressed by 2029, that is the target,” Jumhur said.
Waste Processing Technologies Tailored to Regional Needs
Jumhur said the current WTE program covers only around 60 cities and regencies across Indonesia, while approximately 470 other regions still require solutions for waste management and treatment.
The government will not rely solely on waste-to-energy technology to achieve its 2029 zero-waste target.
Instead, different technologies can be deployed based on each region’s waste characteristics and volume. Options include pyrolysis, Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), waste-to-briquette processing, and pelletizing.
“We welcome various technologies. Waste does not necessarily have to be converted into electricity. It can be processed through pyrolysis, RDF, briquettes, or pelletizing, similar to coal, and other methods,” Jumhur said.
According to Jumhur, technologies other than WTE can provide practical alternatives for regions with smaller waste volumes or insufficient scale to support waste-to-energy facilities.
Waste Management Must Continue During WTE Construction
Jumhur emphasized that waste generation must continue to be managed while processing facilities are being built and cannot simply be left untreated until WTE plants become operational.
He noted that developing a waste-processing facility can take approximately two years, while communities continue generating waste every day throughout the construction period.
Organic waste requires particular attention because it can generate unpleasant odors and contribute to environmental problems.
“From now until the next two years, waste generation will continue, particularly organic waste, which can cause odors and other environmental issues,” Jumhur said.
He stressed that the Ministry of Environment must ensure waste management and monitoring continue from the present stage, throughout facility construction, and after WTE facilities become operational.
Bogor Raya 1 WTE Facility to Process 500,000 Tons of Waste Annually
The Bogor Raya 1 WTE facility is designed to process more than 500,000 tons of waste annually, with an estimated investment of approximately Rp2.8 trillion.
The project is expected to generate green energy capable of supplying electricity to more than 100,000 households across the Greater Bogor area.
Once operational, the facility is also projected to reduce the amount of land required for final disposal sites by approximately 80%.
Conclusion
Indonesia is targeting a zero-waste balance by 2029 by combining waste-to-energy facilities with technologies such as pyrolysis, RDF, briquetting, and pelletizing. The approach highlights the need for region-specific solutions while maintaining continuous waste management during the development of new processing facilities.
Read more: Pertamina Patra Niaga Engages ITS Students in Energy Industry Insights