Rorotan RDF Plant Emerges as a Solution: Here Are Residents' Comments
The Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov DKI) has introduced a new innovation as one way to address the rubbish problem. The use of modern waste processing technology, such as the Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) plant, has been chosen by Pemprov DKI Jakarta to process the Capital’s waste.
Currently, Pemprov DKI Jakarta through the Environmental Agency (DLH) has operated two RDF plants, namely at the Integrated Waste Management Site (TPST) Bantargebang in Bekasi City, and the RDF Plant in Rorotan, North Jakarta.
Both are equipped with advanced waste processing systems to produce RDF or shredded waste fuel that has economic value.
The Rorotan RDF Plant began operations in December 2025. With this facility, gradually up to 2,500 tonnes out of 7,600 tonnes of Jakarta’s waste can be directly processed into RDF according to standards.
To minimise odours and emissions, the Rorotan RDF Plant uses at least six air filtration units as an emission control system in accordance with standards and best practices.
As reported by Kompas.com on Tuesday (3/2/2026), with the Rorotan RDF Plant operating at full capacity, rubbish delivery from 16 sub-districts no longer needs to be sent to TPST Bantargebang as it can be processed directly here.
This is considered more efficient as it can cut the distance and travel time for rubbish delivery to the Bantargebang landfill by up to 50 percent.
Seeing the residents’ reactions, the Rorotan RDF Plant managers immediately conducted evaluations, from temporary halts, reducing capacity, to optimising odour elimination technology. These efforts are considered successful by some residents and demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing public complaints.
One resident who noticed these efforts is Syahla (20), who lives on Jalan Sungai Kendal, Rorotan, North Jakarta. The distance from her home to the Rorotan RDF Plant is only about a four-minute walk. So it’s no surprise that when there is an odour problem, she feels it strongly.
“When it first started operating, the smell was quite pungent. Then, if I’m not mistaken, it was temporarily stopped and operated again. This second time, the smell has started to decrease,” said Syahla to Kompas.com on Monday (23/2/2026).
She added that the smell is not noticeable all day and only at certain times. According to her, the odour from the Rorotan RDF Plant has drastically reduced since December 2025.
“Now (the odour problem) has decreased a lot and I hope it stays like that. Actually, residents understand that this RDF plant is to help (process waste) so it doesn’t pile up at temporary collection points (TPS), which are also disruptive because of the smell and mess,” explained Syahla.
For that reason, she hopes that the operation of the Rorotan RDF Plant can better consider potential environmental impacts.
“The Rorotan community also needs a better waste processing facility. Not just piled up. I hope the RDF Plant can be a suitable solution. Hopefully, the odour problem can be completely eliminated,” said Syahla.