Indonesia is intensifying efforts to improve national waste management, including through the development of waste-to-energy infrastructure.

The use of modern waste-to-energy technology is expected to help address the waste crisis in large and metropolitan areas such as Jakarta, which produces around 8,000 tons of waste per day.

According to data from the National Waste Management Information System, Indonesia generated 34.6 million tons of waste in 2024, based on reports from 319 districts and cities. Of that amount, 20.7 million tons remained unmanaged.

During a cabinet meeting last August, President Prabowo Subianto instructed his ministers to complete the waste-to-energy program within 18 months as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s waste management system.

Initially, the project design involved many stakeholders, including district heads, governors, ministries, local representative councils, and state-run electricity company PLN.

To accelerate completion, however, the mechanism has been streamlined: the national investment management authority Danantara Indonesia will coordinate directly with PLN, while project permits will be issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

The government has identified 10 regions as top priorities in the initial phase of developing waste-to-energy facilities, based on a comprehensive assessment and verification process conducted by the Ministry of Environment.

The assessment criteria include regions that generate over 1,000 tons of waste per day, have available land for waste-to-energy development, and demonstrate a clear commitment from local governments to manage waste transportation, according to Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs and Chair of the National Acceleration Team for Food, Energy and Water Self-Sufficiency.

The 10 designated regions are DKI Jakarta (with four sites), Bali, Yogyakarta, Bekasi City, Bekasi District, Greater Bogor, Tangerang, Semarang, Medan, and West Java – covering Bandung City, Cimahi City, West Bandung District, Sumedang District, and Garut District.

An additional 14 regions are currently under review, including Serang, South Sulawesi, Depok, Pekanbaru, Lampung, Malang, Padang, Samarinda, Balikpapan, Pontianak, Banjarmasin, Jambi, Makassar City and South Tangerang City.

The Ministry of Environment emphasized that local governments must submit a formal declaration of readiness to the minister, accompanied by several key requirements.

These include providing at least 5 hectares of land that complies with spatial planning regulations, is flood-free, located away from airports and has sufficient road access and water infrastructure.

To ensure logistical efficiency, waste-to-energy facilities must be situated within 50 kilometers of the waste source.

Major funding

In a major financial boost to the initiative, Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara announced that its Rp50 trillion (approximately US$3.2 billion) “patriot bonds” have been fully subscribed through a private placement scheme.

Danantara CEO stated that the funds will support new and renewable energy projects as well as waste-to-energy projects in 33 locations across the country.

Danantara estimates that converting 1,000 tons of waste will require an investment of Rp2 trillion to Rp3 trillion or US$127 million to US$190 million.

With each plant producing up to 15 megawatts of electricity – enough to power roughly 20,000 households – the waste-to-energy program is estimated to reduce 80 percent of national greenhouse gases and save 90 percent of land use.

Danantara plans to launch the waste-to-energy projects by the end of October, which involve the development of eight out of a total of 33 waste processing plants across Indonesia.

The agency will select the most appropriate technology and partners to ensure optimal results, with the goal not just profit but also environmental inspection and reducing the waste crisis, according to Danantara’s Managing Director for Investment.

He added that the projects could create jobs and trigger a multiplier effect for local economies.

Construction of each facility is expected to take 18 to 24 months. People will be hired to operate and manage the plants, creating multiplier effects several times over, he noted.

Electricity generated from the waste processing plants will be purchased by state utility PLN, he added.

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Ragunan Wildlife Park

Ragunan Wildlife Park, located in South Jakarta, Indonesia, is a sprawling 140-hectare zoo and conservation center that first opened to the public in 1966. Originally established as a botanical garden in the 19th century, it was later transformed into a wildlife sanctuary and is now home to over 2,000 animals representing hundreds of species, including the endangered Komodo dragon and orangutan. The park serves as both a popular recreational destination and an important site for wildlife education and breeding programs.

South Jakarta

South Jakarta is a major administrative city within the Indonesian capital, known for its modern skyline, upscale shopping malls, and bustling business districts like Sudirman and Kuningan. Historically, it developed rapidly from the 1970s onward as Jakarta expanded southward, transforming from suburban farmland into a central hub for commerce and expatriate communities. Today, it is a key economic center, home to many corporate headquarters, luxury residences, and cultural landmarks such as the Ragunan Zoo.

Jakarta

Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia, located on the northwest coast of Java. Originally known as Sunda Kelapa, it became the colonial capital of the Dutch East Indies under the name Batavia, which heavily influenced its architecture and layout. Today, Jakarta is a bustling metropolis that blends modern skyscrapers with historic landmarks like the Old Town (Kota Tua), reflecting its rich and complex history.

Bali

Bali is a renowned Indonesian island known for its stunning beaches, terraced rice paddies, and vibrant Hindu culture. Its history dates back to at least the 1st century CE, with significant influence from Indian traders and the Majapahit Empire, which shaped its unique blend of Hinduism, art, and traditions. Today, Bali is a major global tourist destination, celebrated for its spiritual practices, dance, and crafts.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a city on the Indonesian island of Java, renowned as a center of classical Javanese art and culture. Historically, it was the heart of the Mataram Sultanate and later became a key stronghold during Indonesia’s struggle for independence, with the city serving as the nation’s capital from 1946 to 1948. Today, it is famous for its nearby ancient temples, such as Borobudur and Prambanan, and its vibrant traditional arts scene.

Bekasi City

Bekasi City, located in West Java, Indonesia, is a major industrial and suburban hub on the eastern outskirts of Jakarta. Historically, it was part of the ancient Tarumanagara Kingdom, with artifacts like the Tugu inscription dating back to the 5th century, indicating its early significance. Today, Bekasi is known for its rapid urbanization, numerous factories, and its role as a commuter city for workers heading to the capital.

Bekasi District

Bekasi District, located in West Java, Indonesia, has a rich history dating back to the 5th century as part of the Tarumanagara Kingdom, one of the earliest Hindu kingdoms in the archipelago. Today, it is a rapidly developing area on the eastern outskirts of Jakarta, known for its industrial zones, residential suburbs, and significant role in the Jakarta metropolitan area’s expansion. The district’s name is derived from the Sundanese word “Candrabhaga,” referring to an ancient river and settlement.

Greater Bogor

Greater Bogor, located south of Jakarta in West Java, Indonesia, is a sprawling metropolitan area centered around the city of Bogor, which was once the capital of the Dutch East Indies during the colonial era. The region is famous for the Bogor Botanical Gardens, established in 1817 by the Dutch, and its historic Bogor Palace, a former governor’s residence. Today, it serves as a major satellite city for Jakarta, known for its cooler climate, lush landscapes, and agricultural research institutions.