Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Ministry of Environment is promoting the implementation of industrialized waste management based on environmentally friendly technology across all regions of the country. In addition to being efficient and eco-conscious, such waste management practices align with Law Number 18 of 2008 concerning Waste Management.
Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated this during a working visit to Balikpapan City in East Kalimantan Province on Sunday (April 13, 2025).
The Minister explained that the industrialization of waste management using environmentally friendly technology includes, for instance, Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facilities, Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), and organic waste processing facilities.
“Waste management is not solely the responsibility of the government—it also requires support from the community and the business sector,” Hanif said after inspecting the Manggar Final Disposal Site (TPA) in Balikpapan. He commended Manggar TPA for not only functioning as a disposal site but also having the potential to become a national model if continuously improved.
After visiting Manggar TPA, Hanif proceeded to inspect the city’s Intermediate Treatment Facility (ITF), then the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Gunung Bahagia Subdistrict.
In addition, the Minister also took time to visit the Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL) and the Metan Café at Manggar TPA—an innovative collaboration between the Balikpapan City Government and PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam.
Hanif revealed that the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) had issued strong warnings to 343 regional heads who are still practicing open dumping.
According to data collected by KLHK, 54.44% of disposal sites in Indonesia still operate using open dumping systems. In 2023, Indonesia generated around 56.63 million tons of waste annually, but only 39.01% was managed optimally.
Following the field visit, Hanif chaired a Meeting on Improving Urban Waste Management Performance attended by key stakeholders, including the Governor of East Kalimantan, Rudy Mas’ud, and Balikpapan Deputy Mayor, Bagus Susetyo.
Based on the 2023 National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) data, Balikpapan City recorded a daily waste production of 534.66 tons, with a reduction rate of 28.03% and a handling rate of 71.5%.
Currently, Balikpapan has one Central Waste Bank, 113 Unit Waste Banks, 45 Composting Houses, and one Intermediate Treatment Facility (ITF). The development of these facilities is a top priority to expand community-based waste management.
