New Waste-to-Energy Facility in Bekasi Aims to Tackle Growing Trash Crisis

The Indonesian government is taking significant steps to address its growing waste crisis with the construction of a new waste-to-energy facility in Bekasi. This project, officially launched on August 26, 2026, has an estimated investment of Rp 3 trillion (approximately $200 million) and aims to process 500,000 tons of waste each year, which represents about 70% of the city's total waste output.

According to Pandu Sjahrir, Chief Investment Officer of Daya Anagata Nusantara (Danantara), the facility is expected to begin operations by mid-2028. It will generate enough electricity to supply approximately 55,000 households in Bekasi, a city grappling with a daily waste generation of around 1,800 tons. Sjahrir mentioned that the initiative will help manage waste and provide a cleaner energy source for the community during the groundbreaking ceremony.

“This initiative will help manage waste and provide a cleaner energy source for the community.”Pandu Sjahrir, Chief Investment Officer, Danantara

The facility will utilize advanced technologies to convert waste into energy, aiming to reduce landfill use by up to 90% and cut carbon emissions by 640,000 tons annually. This aligns with Indonesia's broader environmental goals, as outlined in Presidential Regulation No. 109 of 2025, which emphasizes sustainable waste management practices.

Minister of Food Coordination Zulkifli Hasan highlighted the importance of waste segregation as a key strategy in managing the waste crisis. He remarked that segregating waste is simple yet crucial, and if everyone works together, the complex issue of waste can be tackled effectively. The government is also streamlining regulations to facilitate investments in renewable energy projects, reducing the number of regulatory hurdles from hundreds to just three main rules.

In addition to addressing waste management, the project is expected to create around 1,000 green jobs, contributing to local economic development. The facility will be managed by a consortium led by Danantara and will collaborate with PT PLN (Persero) for the sale and distribution of the generated electricity, which is expected to be priced at around $0.20 per kWh.

“Segregating waste is simple yet crucial. If we work together, we can tackle the complex issue of waste effectively.”Zulkifli Hasan, Minister of Food Coordination

This facility in Bekasi is part of a larger national strategy to develop waste-to-energy projects across Indonesia, with similar initiatives already underway in Denpasar and Bogor. The urgency of these projects is underscored by projections that nearly all landfills in Indonesia could reach overcapacity by 2028 if no significant interventions are made.

As the country moves forward with these initiatives, local leaders, including West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, have expressed strong support for the facility, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions to the waste crisis. The collaboration between government and private sectors is seen as essential for achieving a cleaner, more sustainable environment.