Chinese Investors Interested in Managing Waste at Butus Landfill, Karangasem

Investors from China have expressed interest in investing capital to manage waste at the Butus landfill, located in Bhuana Giri Village, Bebandem District, Karangasem. This investment exploration was conducted through a direct site survey in mid-August 2026.

The Head of the Karangasem Environmental Agency (DLH), I Made Wiguna, stated that the investors are currently conducting studies regarding the required technology and investment needs. Previously, the investors visited the Butus landfill to inspect the site.

“A site survey was conducted in mid-August 2026, and they are currently conducting their studies. The initial concept is that all waste will be processed without the need for prior sorting,” said Wiguna on Tuesday (1/9/2026).

The proposed technology is said to have a concept similar to an incinerator but utilises a different technological approach. The plan is that incoming waste will not require preliminary sorting. This concept is considered more practical than the incinerators that were previously trialled in Karangasem.

However, the plan is still in the exploration stage. No decisions have been made regarding the specific technology or the total investment value. If realised, the Karangasem Regency Government may need to provide various facilities, including assistance with licensing and land.

Investors also require certainty regarding the waste supply, including the minimum tonnage that must be provided daily.

“Investors also need certainty regarding the waste supply, specifically the minimum tonnage. There must be a minimum amount of waste that we provide every day,” said Wiguna.

If this investment is realised, waste from various areas across Karangasem Regency could potentially be transported to the Butus landfill for processing. This would ensure that no waste is left scattered.

“If this is realised, waste from the entire Regency can be brought to the Butus landfill for processing,” added Wiguna.

The Karangasem Environmental Agency hopes that this exploration will proceed to the implementation stage. This would provide a solution to waste issues, particularly for the Butus landfill, which is currently overloaded.