Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) emphasized that converting waste into electricity can become a strategic solution to address both waste management challenges and growing energy demand in Indonesia.
Speaking at a media discussion in Jakarta on April 16, 2026, BRIN engineer Wiharja explained that waste-to-energy (WtE) technology, particularly through Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Sampah (PLTSa), focuses primarily on reducing waste volume while generating electricity as a secondary benefit.
He noted that the process begins with waste sorting to separate recyclable materials, hazardous waste, and non-processable components. The remaining waste is then burned at temperatures of at least 850°C to ensure complete combustion and minimize environmental impact.
The heat generated from the process is used to produce high-pressure steam, which drives turbines connected to generators to produce electricity. Advanced emission control systems, including gas cooling, chemical injection, and filtration, are implemented to prevent air pollution.
In addition, residual ash from the process can be reused for construction materials such as concrete blocks and roofing tiles, while wastewater is treated to avoid environmental contamination.
Indonesia has been developing PLTSa facilities since 2017, with one implementation located at TPA Bantargebang, currently operating on a limited scale. The initiative reflects the country’s broader effort to adopt environmentally friendly technologies to tackle waste while supporting sustainable energy production. (*)
