Getting to Know the Machine That Turns Plastic Waste into Fuel

The Get Plastic Indonesia Foundation introduced its pyrolysis machine to the public during an event titled ‘Sunrise Berkebun Sunset Melantun’ at the Museum Pustaka Lontar, Dukuh Penaban Traditional Village, Karangasem, Bali. The machine is capable of processing plastic waste into fuel oil (BBM).

In addition to introducing the plastic waste processing machine, the camping event also featured workshops, gardening, lontar manuscript writing, and musical entertainment. The ‘Sunrise Berkebun Sunset Melantun’ event took place over three days, concluding on 21 June 2026.

“We are focusing on research and innovation for the pyrolysis machine that can convert plastic waste into fuel. We want to prove today that the fuel we produce is usable,” said the event coordinator, Raissa Kanaya, on Saturday (20/6/2026).

Raissa explained that the plastic must be dry to be processed into fuel. According to her, the pyrolysis machine can process approximately 10 kilograms of plastic waste per cycle. It takes about two hours to produce around 10 litres of fuel oil.

“In addition to producing fuel, the machine can also produce gas that can be used directly for boiling water, and its carbon black can be used for crafts such as paving blocks,” Raissa added.

The fuel produced from the plastic waste was used to power a generator during the entertainment segment of the event. Raissa explained that the fuel generated from the pyrolysis machine is not being sold commercially, as Pertamina has requested that prices not be set higher than market rates.

As a result, the fuel derived from plastic waste is currently only used by community members and several farmers. Raissa expressed hope that specific parties, such as villages or community groups, would be willing to collaborate on waste processing.

“Our system is not about selling the machine, but rather collaborating with other parties,” Raissa concluded.