Enviro News Asia, Palembang — Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Environment, Diaz Hendropriyono, has urged the operator of Sukawinatan landfill in Palembang, South Sumatra, to comply with administrative sanctions against open dumping as the facility prepares to build a wastewater treatment plant for landfill leachate.
During an inspection on October 8, Diaz confirmed that construction of the leachate treatment facility would begin soon as part of efforts to restore environmental conditions at the landfill, according to a statement from the Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) issued on October 10, 2026.
Diaz said the administrative sanctions were intended to improve landfill management rather than punish the operator. He welcomed plans to build the treatment plant and called for continued cooperation to meet the requirements.
Open dumping is prohibited under Indonesia’s Law No. 18 of 2008 on Waste Management. The Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency has also sent official letters to regional leaders urging them to take immediate steps to restore landfill sites and ensure compliance with waste management regulations.
Landfill Fire Prevention and Worker Safety
Diaz’s visit also assessed implementation of the Environment Minister’s Circular Letter No. 11 of 2026, which addresses preparedness and fire prevention at landfills during extreme hot weather.
He stressed that landfill operators must protect everyone working at the site, including waste pickers who depend on recovering recyclable materials for their livelihoods.
Diaz urged workers and site managers to remain vigilant about safety and called for smoking to be prohibited in the landfill area to reduce potential fire risks.
Waste Redirected to Waste-to-Energy Facility
Sukawinatan landfill no longer accepts waste, which is now being redirected to Palembang’s planned waste-to-energy facility, known as Pengolahan Sampah menjadi Energi Listrik (PSEL), as preparations continue for its official operation.
Diaz expressed hope that the facility would help Palembang manage its waste more comprehensively while generating electricity for public benefit.
The development of the leachate treatment plant and the planned operation of the waste-to-energy facility represent separate measures in the city’s broader waste management efforts. The ministry has called for continued compliance with environmental requirements, stronger fire prevention, and improved protection for people working at waste facilities. (*)
