The Indonesian government aims to improve waste management and expand renewable energy. (Photo: iStock)
Nearly 60% of waste in Indonesia is not properly managed, with much of it either being incinerated or landfilled, which causes severe environmental pollution. In response, the Prabowo government plans to build waste-to-energy (WTE) plants in 30 cities across the country. These plants aim to manage and reduce waste while providing renewable energy, contributing to the development of the circular economy.
Indonesia's waste management struggles
According to data from Indonesia's Ministry of Environment, the country produced a total of 69.9 million tons of waste in 2023, with food waste accounting for the largest share at 41.6%, followed by plastic, wood, paper, and metal. Methane emissions from food waste account for 77% of the greenhouse gas emissions from Indonesia’s food supply chain. Scientists generally agree that methane has a greater impact on global warming than carbon dioxide.
