Zulhas Targets Waste Problem Resolution by 2028, Plans Conversion to Electricity

Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas), is targeting the resolution of the waste problem that has persistently plagued the nation. He aims to convert waste into electricity by 2028. “Waste is indeed our problem. We have been independent for over 80 years, yet it still poses a major issue. We can solve it as long as we work together,” Zulhas stated at the DPR RI, Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday (22/6/2026). He mentioned that the waste issue has been categorised and expressed confidence in resolving it by 2028. “Therefore, we have divided the tasks. Emergency cases like Bantar Gebang will be resolved by 2028 at the latest through technology we call incinerators. Waste will be converted into electricity. We will settle that by 2028,” he said. Subsequently, he plans to address waste problems in offices, schools, and ministry buildings by 2029, noting various methods can be employed. “Now, for managed buildings such as the MPR, DPR, markets, malls, offices, and schools, we can resolve these by 2029. We will settle all of them through several schemes; there is RDF, pyrolysis, and many other methods,” he remarked. However, he acknowledged the difficulty in resolving household waste. He stated the key is waste separation, as already implemented by Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung. “The final and somewhat difficult part is indeed households. The key is separation; organic and inorganic waste. If we separate them, the inorganic can later be recycled, much of it can become energy, electricity, and so on. But the organic, the wet waste, can be processed into fertiliser or animal feed. There are maggots and other solutions; we can resolve this,” he explained. He urged other provincial governments to emulate Jakarta, where waste separation is currently underway. “The key is separation. If the movement is massive, and what Jakarta is doing is copied by other regional governments across Indonesia, then I estimate 75 per cent of the nation’s waste will be resolved by the end of 2029,” he said. “But the keyword, once again, is separation and stick and carrot. Those who violate the rules are punished, those who comply receive rewards. The law already exists. Because open dumping now, if you do open dumping, you can be prosecuted; it is no longer allowed. So, regulation enforcement is a must,” he concluded.