Jakarta, INTI – Awareness of the importance of comprehensive waste management has become a major concern in South Sulawesi, particularly in Soppeng Regency. The local government has reaffirmed its commitment to optimizing a sustainable and eco-friendly waste management system from upstream to downstream. This effort aligns with the central government’s directive to eliminate illegal waste disposal sites and enhance the economic value of properly managed waste.
This was conveyed directly by Soppeng Vice Regent, Selle Ks Dalle, after attending a meeting with the Indonesian Minister of Environment and Forestry, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, in Jakarta on Monday, 4, August 2025. The meeting presented data from the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN), which showed that of the total 56.63 million tons of waste generated in 2023, only 39.01% was properly managed.
Encouraging Change from the Household Level
Selle emphasized that transformation must not solely rely on systems and regulations, but should begin with a shift in public mindset. According to him, the community plays a vital role in breaking the waste cycle, starting with the habit of sorting waste at the household level.
“The community holds a vital role. From households, we promote the culture of waste sorting, strengthen the role of waste banks, and eliminate space for illegal dumping,” he stated. He also highlighted the importance of waste management culture in the context of Adipura assessment, which now focuses heavily on end-to-end waste handling.
National Targets and Waste Processing Technology
Soppeng Environmental Agency Head, Aryadin, revealed that the regional government has adopted a management model aligned with the 2025–2029 Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJM) target achieving 100% managed waste by 2029. The approach includes the development of TPS3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Waste Processing Centers), waste banks, composting houses, and maggot farming facilities.
“We currently have five TPS3R units, but their operations are still not optimal. Both central and unit-level waste banks are already available in residential areas, schools, and government offices,” Aryadin explained.
Furthermore, he pointed out that advanced waste processing technologies such as RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) and WTE (Waste to Energy) are being considered as key solutions, despite facing financial challenges. RDF enables the conversion of waste into alternative fuel, while WTE turns waste into electricity or thermal energy.
Investment and Budget Support Needed
To realize high-tech waste management systems, Aryadin emphasized the need for support from multiple stakeholders, including investors and central government funding. “If we are to achieve the national RPJM target, then high-tech waste processing is non-negotiable, even though it comes with high costs,” he stressed.
With strong commitment from the local government and collaborative efforts among communities and stakeholders, Soppeng Regency is taking concrete steps toward a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally conscious waste management future.
Conclusion:
The Soppeng Regency Government in South Sulawesi has demonstrated a strong commitment to managing waste in an environmentally friendly manner from upstream to downstream. Through public education, strengthening of waste banks, and the adoption of waste processing technologies such as RDF and WTE, Soppeng aims to achieve sustainable waste management in line with the national 2025–2029 development plan. Despite challenges related to costs and infrastructure, collaboration between the government, communities, and investors is key to creating a cleaner environment with added economic value.
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