Enviro News Asia, South Tangerang — National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing a waste processing vessel as an integrated solution to address growing waste challenges in coastal and small island regions.
Researcher Daud Saputra Amare Sianturi explained that areas such as Kepulauan Seribu face complex waste issues driven by domestic activities, tourism, and marine debris from the mainland.
With waste generation reaching 3–4 tons per day and limited land availability, conventional waste management systems are increasingly difficult to implement.
BRIN’s proposed solution involves a mobile waste processing vessel capable of treating waste directly at sea, eliminating the need for land-based facilities and reducing dependency on transporting waste to the mainland.
The vessel is designed to operate flexibly across locations and weather conditions, while also enabling the reuse of processing residues for economic value.
The innovation is expected to lower logistics costs, create new job opportunities, and support circular economy development in island communities.
From a social perspective, public acceptance remains a key factor, with emphasis on proper education, minimal disruption to local activities, and integration with existing waste systems.
The technology also contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and controlling pollution in coastal ecosystems.
BRIN is encouraging cross-sector collaboration to accelerate implementation, aiming to position the waste processing vessel as a scalable solution for Indonesia’s coastal and island regions. (*)
