Enviro News Asia, Surabaya — Urban waste management in metropolitan areas has evolved into a strategic instrument for advancing the circular economy and accelerating net zero emission targets. One of the most effective transformation models is the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) system implemented at the Benowo Landfill in Surabaya, which demonstrates how integrated technology and environmental policy can convert waste burdens into sustainable energy resources.
Head of Region III at the Java Environmental Control Center under the Ministry of Environment and Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Gatut Panggah Prasetyo, stated that WTE facilities are a non-negotiable option for cities generating more than 1,000 tons of waste per day. Without appropriate technological intervention, urban waste accumulation could expand into massive landfill formations that threaten public safety and environmental health.
Gatut emphasized that the Benowo WTE facility provides a clear example of how large-scale waste generation can be effectively controlled through technological solutions, preventing uncontrolled landfill growth and long-term environmental risks.
“If waste is not properly managed, it will become a serious problem. The Benowo WTE plant shows how high waste volumes can be handled. Without such systems, landfill mountains will continue to grow and pose environmental hazards,” Gatut said.
In line with circular economy principles, the Benowo landfill continues to be developed through a re-mining scheme that optimizes legacy waste deposits. Using pyrolysis technology, waste recovered from re-mining activities is processed into alternative fuel. This innovation reduces landfill capacity pressure while accelerating the local green energy transition.
Surabaya’s achievements extend beyond energy recovery. The city has also demonstrated leadership in ecosystem restoration by transforming former landfill sites into green open spaces, such as Harmoni Park. The land rehabilitation and development process carried out between 2011 and 2014 successfully converted a former disposal area into a public recreational space.
Gatut explained that such transformations are essential to restoring environmental functions and improving urban livability. Large-scale vegetation planting in former landfill areas has contributed to better air quality and cooler microclimates within densely populated zones. However, he stressed that landfill land-use conversion must be supported by comprehensive technical assessments.
He underlined that soil stability, residual landfill gas, and other technical risks must be thoroughly evaluated to ensure long-term safety and prevent future environmental impacts.
As a metropolitan city with high population dynamics, Surabaya continues to face significant waste management challenges. While downstream systems such as WTE and land restoration have proven successful, strengthening upstream supervision and public awareness remains critical.
“Waste management cannot rely solely on landfills. Waste reduction and segregation at the source must be intensified to ensure the entire system operates effectively,” Gatut concluded. (*)
