JAKARTA - The implementation of the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) policy is now a crucial step in overcoming the national waste crisis in Indonesia. Through a recent study entitled "Waste Processing into Electric Energy", the Southeast Strategic research institute encourages WtE as an initial solution for urban waste management as well as a pillar of the national energy transition.
The study was presented in a panel discussion at the CSIS Auditorium, Jakarta on Wednesday, January 21. This research examines the latest regulatory framework, including Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 109 of 2025, and compares the success of WtE implementation in countries such as China, Singapore, and Sweden.
Waste Emergency: Only 33% Managed
Senior Researcher Tenggara Strategics, Intan Salsabila Firman, revealed an alarming fact about the condition of waste in Indonesia. Currently, Indonesia produces 56.98 million tons of waste per year, but only 33.74 percent of it is managed.
"The rest, about 66.26 percent, ends up in landfills with an open dumping system. This condition increases health risks, such as an increase in diarrhea cases by 72 percent around landfills, and contributes 2-3 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions," said Intan.
He emphasized that WtE should be placed as a cross-sectoral instrument to deal with waste that can no longer be processed through the 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
Development Target 33 PLTSa until 2029
This research also highlights the strategic role of Presidential Decree Number 109 of 2025. This regulation updates the technology standards and financing schemes for Waste Power Plants (PLTSa).
The government targets the construction of 33 units of PLTSa by 2029, of which seven units are scheduled to be built in 2026. Some of the main points in this regulation include:
Capacity: Each unit is designed to process 1,000 tons of waste/day to generate 20 MW of electricity. Investment: The need for funds reaches Rp. 2-3 trillion per unit. Incentives: The increase in the purchase price of electricity by PLN to 20 cents per kWh to attract private investors.Danantara Indonesia's role in Project Governance
On the same occasion, Fadli Rahman, Lead of Waste-to-Energy Danantara Indonesia, stated that WtE is a national strategic agenda. Danantara is committed to overseeing this project from the planning stage.
"Our focus is to ensure strong governance from upstream, including the selection of technology and the Project Implementing Business Entity (BUPP) which is transparent to mitigate investment risks," said Fadli.
Learning from Global: Efficiency and Technology
Support for technology was also voiced by Prof. Dr. Arief Sabdo Yuwono, IPB University Professor. According to him, modern incinerators are able to reduce waste volume by more than 90 percent with controlled emissions.
For comparison, Tenggara Strategics' study shows global success:
Sweden: Less than 1 percent of waste ends up in landfills. Singapore: Reduce waste volume by 90 percent through four WtE facilities. China: Operate 696 PLTSa units to achieve a 100 percent waste processing ratio.Through consistent policy integration and transparent governance, Tenggara Strategics is optimistic that Waste-to-Energy will be a rational solution for Indonesia's future environmental and energy security.
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