Indonesia and Singapore Strengthen Cooperation on Circular Economy
The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), and the Singaporean government, via the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE), are strengthening bilateral cooperation in the circular economy sector. Bappenas stated that Indonesia and Singapore shared experiences and best practices, and explored collaboration opportunities in developing a circular economy and waste-to-energy management to support the transformation towards a green, low-carbon, and sustainable economy.
Deputy for Food, Natural Resources, and Environment at Bappenas, Leonardo A. A. Teguh Sambodo, said during the Policy Dialogue on Circular Economy and Waste-to-Energy that developing a circular economy ecosystem is a current strategic focus for Indonesia. The approach encompasses low-carbon development, climate-resilient development, sustainable forest and biodiversity management, green job creation, environmental quality improvement, and integrated waste management reform. He emphasised that this approach not only contributes to achieving environmental goals but also creates new business opportunities, strengthens resource resilience, and enhances long-term economic competitiveness.
The dialogue aligns with Indonesia’s commitments outlined in the 2025–2045 National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN), the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), and the Indonesian Circular Economy Roadmap, which aim to promote resource efficiency, reduce waste generation, and strengthen national energy security. Singapore’s experience serves as an important reference, as it has developed an integrated waste management and resource recovery system through robust policies, advanced technology, and long-term planning.
Permanent Secretary of MSE, Melvyn Ong, noted that there are several similarities as well as differences in the two countries’ approaches to circular economy and waste management issues. He also stressed the importance of strengthening concrete cooperation to address the increasingly complex waste management challenges in both nations. The event concluded with a visit to PT Amandina Bumi, a company that has implemented circular economy principles in the industrial sector, particularly in waste management and utilisation.