Environment Minister Jumhur optimistic national waste issue resolved by 2028

Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat is optimistic that Indonesia’s waste management issues can be comprehensively resolved by 2028 through the implementation of technology to convert waste into electricity sources and the empowerment of community movements.

“Hopefully by 2028 we will have settled this matter (waste). Insha Allah it can be done, because the commitment from the President is to ensure this becomes a national priority programme,” said Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The government, through the Ministry of Environment (KLH), is currently overseeing waste management in 36 agglomerated regions that produce over 1,000 tonnes of waste per day to accelerate the processing of waste into electricity (PSEL).

“There are already 36 agglomerated regions, those above 1,000 tonnes, and that is underway. We will continue to evaluate how far the speed is to make it a reality. We are pushing because this is urgent and the volume is large, and we will certainly supervise it,” said Environment Minister Jumhur.

In addition to relying on large-scale projects, Jumhur emphasised that the government is very open to various innovations from the community in managing waste, including the use of the Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) method.

To that end, he hopes that waste handling will be carried out in an integrated manner across ministries and institutions, not solely relying on KLH, because the waste issue has been designated as a national priority by President Prabowo.

“RDF is a grassroots initiative that can even create thousands of jobs. We continue to encourage all community movements that have aspirations to manage waste. The government ensures it will welcome them well,” said the Environment Minister.