Mengwitani Incinerator Emits Black Smoke, Badung Environmental Agency Assures Safety
The incinerator chimney at the Mengwitani Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST) in Mengwi District, Badung, has occasionally been seen emitting thick black smoke. The condition, which has persisted for the past two weeks, has sparked concerns about potential air pollution, even though the incinerator owned by the Badung Environment and Hygiene Agency (DLHK) has resumed operations after obtaining a permit from the Ministry of Environment (KLH).
“Yes, it has been running again for two weeks. But why is it emitting black smoke,” said a local resident who declined to be named, on Wednesday (5/8/2026).
Head of Badung DLHK Made Rai Warastuthi confirmed that the incinerator facility has undergone strict evaluation by the Law Enforcement Division (Gakkum) of the KLH. The waste processing equipment was restarted after all parameters from the re-emission test results were declared to have passed quality standards.
“Based on the re-emission test results, all parameters have met the required quality standards. On that basis, the recommissioning of the incinerator facility has obtained approval from the Gakkum of the Ministry of Environment,” said Rai Warastuthi on Thursday (6/8/2026).
Regarding the thick smoke, Badung DLHK explained that the condition only appears temporarily during the initial stage of machine operation. The smoke occurs because the temperature in the combustion chamber has not yet reached optimal operational conditions.
“Technically, the smoke occasionally visible during the initial start-up phase can occur before the combustion chamber temperature reaches optimal operating conditions. We continue to monitor and evaluate so that all combustion processes are optimal and comply with environmental requirements,” said Rai Warastuthi.
Badung DLHK also clarified the issue regarding a machine unit that was reportedly damaged during the recommissioning over the past two weeks. All incinerator units are confirmed to be functioning normally and are deliberately operated in rotation to maintain equipment durability.
“All incinerator units are in good working condition and are indeed used in rotation according to operational needs, the volume of waste processed, and equipment maintenance schedules. The operational management is to maintain equipment performance, not because any unit is unable to operate,” explained Rai Warastuthi.
The Badung Regency Government has pledged to continue monitoring the performance of the waste processing facility and the emission levels produced on a regular basis. The agency is also open to receiving public complaints and is ready to deploy a team to conduct field verification.
“We remain committed to ensuring the waste processing facility complies with statutory regulations. We monitor equipment performance and emission results. If there is input or information from the public, we will promptly verify it to keep the facility’s operations in line with standard requirements,” asserted Rai Warastuthi.