Indonesian minister targets 80% of national waste problems solved by 2029

Indonesia is targeting the resolution of 70 to 80 percent of its national waste issues by 2029, according to Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan.

Speaking at a waste sorting event in Jakarta, Hasan outlined the government's strategy, which involves accelerating the development of waste processing facilities, managing designated areas, and encouraging household waste separation. He stressed that tackling waste is a shared responsibility, requiring both government-led technological advancements and public adoption of waste sorting habits.

"The problem of waste cannot be solved by the government alone," Hasan stated. "If the government builds the technology and the public builds the habit of sorting waste from home, we can achieve a cleaner, healthier, and more productive Indonesia."

The government is prioritizing the construction of waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities, in line with Presidential Regulation No. 109 of 2025. Approximately 30 WTE locations are planned, focusing on urban agglomerations that generate over 1,000 tons of waste daily. Three of these facilities are slated for groundbreaking soon, with 12 others in the process of partner selection and targeted to operate by 2028.

Hasan also commended the Jakarta provincial government for its pioneering efforts in waste sorting at the source, involving neighborhood units and community groups. He reiterated that while WTE facilities are crucial, they must be complemented by public participation in sorting waste at home, enabling organic waste to become fertilizer and inorganic waste to be recycled for economic value.