Government targets end to open dumping practices by 2028

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has set a target to end the practice of open dumping, or the disposal of waste in open areas without management, by 2028.

The government will launch the construction of an incinerator-based Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Bali. We are targeting the gradual cessation of open dumping practices, with 50 per cent to be completed by 2027 and the remaining 50 per cent by 2028. In addition, regulatory improvements are also being carried out in the food, fisheries, and other sectors,” he said in Jakarta on Monday.

Zulhas noted that over the past 11 years, only two permits had been issued for waste management regulations, and only one was truly operational. Following the simplification of rules, approximately 70 cities have now begun developing waste management systems.

He continued that during the 1.5 years of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, around 35 regulations have been overhauled, encompassing Government Regulations, Presidential Regulations, Presidential Instructions, and Presidential Decrees.

According to him, climate change has now become a reality felt through extreme weather, environmental pressures, production disruptions, and threats to food security. Therefore, controlling climate change is an agenda for the economy, food security, and national sovereignty.

National climate action funding also remains limited, at around 3.5 per cent of the total state budget each year, with 0.7 per cent specifically allocated for forest rehabilitation and conservation. Therefore, financing innovation outside the state budget is needed,” said Zulhas.

The Coordinating Minister for Food also stressed that the government’s various major targets, such as food self-sufficiency and resolving the waste problem within two years, can be achieved if all parties remain consistent and committed.