Jakarta, INTI - Indonesian Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, emphasized the accelerated preparation of the waste-to-energy (PSEL) project in East Kalimantan as part of the national effort to improve waste management and achieve the 2026 target. He stated that the government has been asked to immediately finalize site and administrative preparations, as the development of the waste processing agglomeration area has now entered its 31st phase.
The government is also preparing collaborations with several regions, such as Greater Jambi and Greater Manado. In East Kalimantan, discussions are focused on two key areas, Greater Samarinda and Greater Balikpapan, involving regional governments.
Hanif targets completion of all initial project preparations, including administrative aspects and location determination, by early next week. After that, the process will proceed to the procurement of goods and services. However, construction and operation of the PSEL facility are estimated to take at least three years.
Other Strategies include Eliminating Open Dumping and Waste Sorting
During this process, regional governments are still required to implement waste management. Hanif also highlighted the wide gap between the current waste management achievement of only around 26% and the national target of 63.41% in 2026.
To close this gap, the government is emphasizing strategic measures such as eliminating open dumping practices at all landfills (TPA) by 2026, as well as accelerating waste sorting at source. He believes the active role of regional heads is crucial in encouraging changes in public behavior.
By focusing on these two main steps, eliminating open dumping and strengthening waste sorting, the government is optimistic that the development of PSEL in East Kalimantan, particularly in Balikpapan and Samarinda, can be effective and have a significant impact on national waste management.
Conclusion
Indonesian Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, is targeting the acceleration of the waste-to-electricity (PSEL) project in East Kalimantan, particularly in the Greater Samarinda and Greater Balikpapan areas, as part of efforts to achieve the 2026 national waste management target. The government is asked to immediately complete initial preparations before entering the procurement stage, although construction to operation is estimated to take at least three years. To close the gap of only 26% and the target of 63.41%, the government is looking at eliminating open dumping at landfills and accelerating waste sorting at source with active support from regional governments.
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