Enviro News Asia, Makassar – Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) is intensifying efforts to modernize the country’s waste management system through integrated waste-to-energy development while strengthening preventive measures against landfill fires during the dry season.
The commitment was reaffirmed by Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency Moh Jumhur Hidayat during a strategic working visit to Makassar, South Sulawesi.
As part of the visit, Minister Jumhur chaired a coordination meeting on accelerating the National Strategic Project for Waste-to-Energy (PSEL), attended by South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman, regional government leaders, and representatives of PT Semen Tonasa as the project’s off-taker.
The minister emphasized that the planned waste-to-energy facility would employ modern technology and management systems, ensuring clean, organized, and environmentally friendly operations unlike conventional landfills.
“Once the Waste-to-Energy Plant is operational, there will be no unpleasant odors, and it will no longer resemble the conventional landfill that people are familiar with. Instead, it will be clean, modern, and comparable to a well-maintained commercial facility,” Jumhur said.
Governor Andi Sudirman welcomed the initiative and expressed the provincial government’s readiness to identify the most suitable location for the regional waste-to-energy facility, which is expected to serve the broader metropolitan area.
In addition to the PSEL project, the Ministry is promoting the adoption of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) technology, enabling municipal waste to be processed into an alternative fuel that can replace coal for industrial applications while generating additional economic value.
During the visit, Minister Jumhur also instructed regional governments across Indonesia to strengthen preparedness against landfill fires, warning that the current dry season is forecast to continue until November.
“I urge all provincial, regency, and municipal governments to remain vigilant against landfill fires. Firefighting units should regularly wet landfill areas because accumulated waste contains high concentrations of methane gas. Open burning and smoking within landfill sites must be strictly prohibited,” he said.
The working visit concluded with an inspection of the Tamangapa Antang Landfill and its leachate treatment facility. Minister Jumhur commended the city’s implementation of controlled landfill practices, including the capture and free distribution of methane gas to nearby communities.
“The Mayor has made excellent progress. The facility has achieved approximately 90 percent of the standards expected by the Ministry. This is a strong example that other cities across Indonesia can replicate,” he said.
The Ministry of Environment expressed optimism that continued collaboration between the central government and regional administrations would accelerate improvements in waste management nationwide, contributing to environmental protection, cleaner cities, and greater public well-being. (*)
