Jokowi Praises Waste Processing Into Electrical Energy In Surabaya: This Is The First, So, Other Cities Move Back And Forth

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo inaugurated the processing of waste into electricity (PSEL) at the Benowo Final Processing Site (TPA) in Surabaya, East Java.

PSEL in Surabaya is the first to operate out of the seven cities that it has stipulated through Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 18 of 2016 concerning the Acceleration of the Development of Waste-Based Power Plants in DKI Jakarta, Tangerang City, Bandung City, Semarang City, Surakarta City, Surabaya City, and Makassar City.

In his remarks, Jokowi appreciated the performance of the Mayor of Surabaya so that this PSEL can operate. Both the current Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi, and Tri Rismaharini, who previously served.

"Of the seven cities that I have appointed, through the presidential regulation, this is the first to be done. The other (cities) are still moving back and forth on tipping fees, regional goods. Not finished yet," Jokowi said in a YouTube broadcast of the Presidential Secretariat, Thursday, May 6.

Jokowi admitted that he would encourage other cities to imitate the environmentally friendly technology-based processing system that has been used in Surabaya.

"I give two thumbs up for the Surabaya City Government, both the old mayor and the new mayor. Later other cities will give orders not to be complicated, use ideas, just look at Surabaya, imitate, "said Jokowi.

Jokowi admitted that from the beginning he had supported the waste-based power generation program by issuing a legal umbrella.

With this legal umbrella, local governments are able to execute programs without fear of being summoned by parties such as the Attorney General's Office, Police, and KPK because there is no clear legal umbrella.

The legal umbrellas that have been issued include Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 18 of 2016. Then, Presidential Decree Number 35 of 2018 concerning the Acceleration of Construction of Waste Processing Plants into Electric Energy Based on Environmentally Friendly Technology. A Government Regulation (PP) has also been issued regarding the management of regional goods.

"I am changing the Presidential Decree, PP, how can the entire city do this. Because the garbage business is not just a matter of turning waste into electricity, not that, but a matter of city cleanliness. If there is a problem of pollution due to piling up garbage, then if it rains it produces leachate waste, the problem is everything, "Jokowi explained.