Bali's Waste-to-Energy Plant Not a Sole Solution, Experts Warn

While Bali's new waste-to-energy plant (PSEL) is designed to process 1,500 tons of waste per day, experts caution that it cannot be the single solution to the island's mounting waste problem. A comprehensive approach prioritizing waste reduction, sorting, and recycling remains essential.

Jalal, Chairman of the Expert Council at the Indonesia ESG Professional Association (IEPA), stated that the PSEL should be viewed as one component within an integrated waste management system, not the primary solution. He noted that the plant's capacity, while significant, only addresses less than half of Bali's daily waste generation, which ranges from 3,400 to 3,800 tons per day, according to national data.

Furthermore, Jalal highlighted the unreliability of assuming continuous operation. Incinerators require periodic maintenance, typically lasting 30 to 45 days annually, meaning the plant cannot operate at full capacity year-round. This intermittency underscores the need for a multi-faceted strategy.

National regulations, including Law No. 18 of 2008 and Presidential Regulation No. 97 of 2017, prioritize waste reduction, reuse, and recycling before energy recovery through incineration. Burning recyclable or compostable materials diminishes environmental benefits. Studies indicate that incineration produces significant carbon dioxide emissions, while recycling plastics can yield substantial carbon savings. Jalal also warned against the risks of over-reliance on a single, large-scale facility, citing past issues with Bali's centralized waste processing sites, such as fires and public opposition, as evidence of vulnerability.