DIM: Surge in International Participants Highlights Potential of Indonesia's Waste-to-Energy Program

Danantara Investment Management (DIM) stated that the increase in international and national participants in the second round of the Waste-to-Energy program (PSEL) demonstrates the significant potential of the initiative to be implemented across 33 Indonesian cities. DIM Investment Director and CEO of PT Daya Energi Bersih Nusantara (Denera), Fadli Rahman, said the presence of domestic and foreign participants indicates strong investment appeal if managed credibly. ‘For this reason, we remain committed to ensuring the entire WtE partner selection process is conducted transparently and competitively,’ he said. In the second round of the Selected Supplier List (DPT) for the PSEL or WtE program, 85 entities qualified, marking a 254% increase from the first round’s 24 participants. Fadli noted the project is still in early stages, with the DPT being a prequalification phase where companies must undergo further processes before securing the project. Next steps include technical evaluations, financing readiness, technology suitability, and operational capabilities. Participants in the second DPT round come from Japan, South Korea, France, India, Singapore, China, and other regional companies, indicating global attention to Indonesia’s waste management issues. Fadli added the rising number of participants shows Indonesia’s PSEL project is increasingly viewed as a serious market. Companies in the second DPT round are largely from nations with extensive experience in energy-based waste management, such as Japan and South Korea, known for advanced incineration technology with strict emission standards. The inclusion of European and Chinese firms also enhances technological diversity, particularly in environmental management and urban energy efficiency. Denera is a DIM subsidiary. Danantara Indonesia’s Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Pandu Sjahrir, previously targeted Denera’s listing on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) by end-2028. Danantara aims for PSEL to cover 33 projects nationwide with total investment nearing $5 billion or approximately Rp85-90 trillion.