Pekanbaru and the Revolution in Modern Waste Management
Pekanbaru is embarking on a new chapter in waste management through the development of a waste-to-energy (WTE) project, or the processing of waste into energy. As the capital of Riau Province and a hub of economic growth, Pekanbaru faces challenges from increasing waste generation, now exceeding 1,300 tons per day. This surge aligns with population growth and rising economic activities, rendering conventional “collect-transport-dispose” methods obsolete.
To address these challenges, the Pekanbaru City Government is taking strategic steps to promote a transformation towards a circular economy-based waste management system. The local government’s commitment, combined with the high volume of waste, positions Pekanbaru as one of the pilot WTE development projects in Indonesia. This effort is further strengthened through collaboration with PT ICE in utilising methane gas at the final processing site (TPA) to generate electricity without burdening the regional budget.
“Before this project runs, Pekanbaru already has a basic waste management system, from collection at the depot level, transportation, to final processing,” said Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho. “However, that system still requires strengthening, particularly in source separation of waste, optimisation of transport fleets, and modernisation of processing facilities at the TPA. The presence of the WTE project becomes a crucial momentum to build a more integrated and sustainable system.”
The development of this project not only involves Pekanbaru but also several other regions in the “Greater Pekanbaru” regional scheme, encompassing Kampar Regency, Siak, Pelalawan, and Bengkalis. The Riau Provincial Government acts as a facilitator and land provider, while the regency/city governments ensure the availability of waste supply. To date, all regions have signed waste-to-electricity processing cooperation agreements (PSEL), with the next phase involving the tender process for installation construction, supported by Danantara.
Multi-stakeholder collaboration is the key to the project’s success. The central government plays a role in regulation formulation and implementation acceleration, Danantara in long-term financing, and the private sector in providing technology and operations. This synergy is expected to expedite the project’s realisation while ensuring sustainable management.
In terms of targets, the WTE project is aimed at significantly reducing dependence on TPAs. Waste that previously ended up in landfills will now be processed into energy, leaving only truly unusable residues for disposal. To support this, local governments are preparing supporting infrastructure, such as transport route arrangements, improved sorting facilities, and strengthened collection systems to ensure the quality and quantity of waste meet the power plant’s needs.
Environmental and public health aspects are also a primary concern. All project stages must comply with environmental impact analysis (AMDAL) requirements, including emission control, leachate management, and odour reduction. Local governments also emphasise the importance of transparency and community involvement in oversight as part of public accountability.
Looking ahead, the project’s impact is expected to resolve waste issues while introducing a sustainable alternative energy source. Over the next five to ten years, Pekanbaru is targeted to have a modern, efficient, and integrated waste management system, serving as a model that can be replicated by other regions in Indonesia. This transformation marks a paradigm shift that waste is no longer a burden but a valuable economic resource.