Surabaya Breakthrough: Mangrove Plastic Waste Converted into Fuel
The Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA) of Surabaya City is developing pyrolysis technology to process plastic waste polluting mangrove areas into fuel. The innovation is expected not only to help reduce coastal pollution but also to provide economic value for the community, particularly fishermen.
Pyrolysis technology works by heating plastic waste without oxygen, producing oil, gas, and carbon residue that can still be utilised. The primary target is not plastic bottles, which still have resale value, but rather plastic bags and various types of damaged plastics that are difficult to recycle through conventional methods.
Through this approach, BRIDA seeks to convert low-value plastic waste into an energy source. Fishermen can collect plastic waste from mangrove areas to be processed into fuel, which can then be used for their fishing activities.
This initiative is considered part of implementing a circular economy concept, turning waste into raw material for the next production process so that it does not end up in landfills, rivers, or the sea.
Plastic waste remains a significant challenge in Indonesia. Data from the National Waste Management Information System of the Ministry of Environment shows that national waste generation reaches tens of millions of tonnes annually, with plastic waste being one of the largest contributors. Some of it is successfully recycled, but a considerable amount ends up polluting the environment.
A report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) also notes that millions of tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans each year. This condition threatens coastal ecosystems, damages marine habitats, and triggers the emergence of microplastics that can potentially enter the human food chain.
Mangrove ecosystems are among the most vulnerable areas affected. The dense root structures of mangroves trap sediment but also ensnare various types of plastic waste carried by river currents and sea waves. This accumulation of waste can hinder vegetation growth and degrade the habitat quality for various species of fish, crabs, birds, and other coastal biota.
Surabaya has long been known for actively rehabilitating mangrove areas as part of coastal protection and carbon emission reduction efforts. However, the success of rehabilitation is considered difficult to optimise if plastic pollution continues.
Nonetheless, pyrolysis is not a single solution to the plastic waste problem. The technology still requires emission controls, residue management, fuel quality standards, and operational supervision to avoid creating new environmental impacts.