Indonesia Turns to WTE Technology to Resolve Trash Problem

Indonesia has struggled with waste management for a long time, but the country is currently exploring the concept of waste-to-energy (WTE) technology to help achieve its goal of achieving zero waste by 2020.

The government is working to construct WTE facilities in the Cities of Jakarta, Tangerang, Bandung, Surabaya, Surakarta, Makassar and Semarang to quickly address the country’s waste management issues.

The Jakarta Post has more information:

Achieving an environmentally sound, energy independent Indonesia is proving to be more difficult than thought. Some may think the problem lies in this country’s inability to develop efficient, sophisticated technology to clean our homes, streets, parks and rivers from stinky and unsanitary rubbish. Or maybe in the government’s lack of commitment to making use of the country’s huge resources for clean and efficient renewable energy. While this may be correct at some levels, the main problem actually lies in the sociopolitical dynamics of key players in this country.

Waste management has always posed an issue in the country. In 2015, Jakarta produced 7,500 tons of waste each day and has dumped 6,700 tons at the Bantar Gebang dumpsite in Bekasi, West Java. In February 2005, the Leuwi Gajah dumpsite in Cimahi, West Java, experienced a landslide that buried 71 houses and killed 143 people. In Bandung, West Java, a waste-fired power plant project has run up against many legal problems and is predicted to be canceled. The government seems to have a lot of homework to do before making the Indonesia Waste-Free 2020 dream a reality.

Read the full story here.