West Java Village Turns Waste into Energy, Creates Jobs for Locals
The village of Palimanan Barat in Cirebon Regency has demonstrated that waste can provide both economic and environmental benefits. Household refuse is being processed into alternative fuel, known as Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), while simultaneously creating job opportunities for local residents.
The waste processing site (TPS), operated by the village-owned enterprise BUMDes Maju Makmur, is capable of handling approximately 8 to 10 tonnes of waste per day. Managed by the village government in collaboration with PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa, the facility converts waste into RDF, which is then used as an alternative fuel source in the cement industry.
Iin Farihin, Head of the Waste Processing Unit at TPS BUMDes Maju Makmur, stated that proper waste management can unlock significant economic value. “While most people see waste as something disgusting, for us it is money, because if processed correctly, it can have high economic value,” he said on Friday (10/7/2026).
Iin explained that the waste management process involves the community, with RT and RW officials responsible for transporting waste from households to the TPS. After sorting and processing, the waste is converted into RDF before being sent to PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa. Beyond reducing waste accumulation, the facility has also created employment for 16 local residents.
Alfian Rediana, Head of Capacity Building and Environmental Recovery at the Cirebon Regency Environmental Agency, said the local government is promoting community-based waste management to reduce the burden on final disposal sites. “In addition to waste transportation, the Environmental Agency is empowering communities to process waste, as seen at the Palimanan Barat TPS,” Alfian noted.
Palimanan Barat is one of six villages in Gempol District under the guidance of PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa. The collaboration is expected to strengthen the waste management system by involving the government, community, and private sector. Eva Noviana, Secretary of Gempol District, expressed hope that the waste management model in Palimanan Barat could be adopted by other villages across Cirebon Regency.