East Kalimantan Accelerates Waste-to-Energy Projects in Key Urban Zones

Ria Sartika    Sunday, April 05, 2026    Comment   

East Kalimantan Accelerates Waste-to-Energy Projects in Key Urban Zones

East Kalimantan accelerates waste-to-energy projects in Samarinda and Balikpapan, aiming to turn waste into electricity while supporting sustainable energy and the IKN region.

East Kalimantan Speeds Up Waste-to-Energy Projects in Samarinda & Balikpapan

The East Kalimantan Provincial Government is stepping up efforts to develop waste-to-energy (PSEL) facilities across two major zones: Samarinda Raya and Balikpapan Raya.

This initiative is more than just planning. Head of the Environmental Agency (DLH) East Kalimantan, Joko Istanto, confirmed that the government is currently accelerating the preparation of cooperation agreements to ensure smooth project implementation.

“We are facilitating the drafting of cooperation agreements and joint commitments so that these projects can operate smoothly in the future,” Joko said in Samarinda on Saturday.

Follow-Up to National-Level Coordination

This acceleration follows a limited coordination meeting at the ministerial level, specifically focused on boosting waste management through renewable energy solutions.

To strengthen the framework, the provincial government recently held a virtual cross-regional coordination meeting involving multiple stakeholders—from provincial officials to city and district representatives.

Key participants included:

• Samarinda City Environmental Agency

• Kutai Kartanegara Environmental and Forestry Agency

This multi-regional collaboration is crucial given the wide service coverage of the project.

Two Major Service Zones: Samarinda Raya & Balikpapan Raya

The waste-to-energy development will be divided into two main zones:

1. Samarinda Raya

Coverage includes:

• Samarinda City

• Parts of Kutai Kartanegara Regency:
  Anggana, Tenggarong Seberang, Loa Janan, Muara Badak, and Marang Kayu

2. Balikpapan Raya

Coverage includes:

• Balikpapan City

• The Nusantara Capital City (IKN)

• Coastal areas of Kutai Kartanegara:
  Samboja, Samboja Barat, and Muara Jawa

According to Joko, the geographic and administrative complexity requires stronger coordination.

“We need more intensive coordination between local governments, the IKN Authority, and the central government,” he explained.

Turning Waste Into Clean Energy

The project aims to tackle two major challenges at once:

1. Reducing waste accumulation

2. Generating electricity from renewable sources

In simple terms, waste that once posed environmental problems can now be transformed into a valuable energy resource.

Beyond that, the initiative is expected to strengthen energy resilience in East Kalimantan—especially with the ongoing development of Indonesia’s new capital city.

Target: Cleaner Environment & Sustainable Energy

The provincial government is optimistic that cross-regional collaboration will deliver:

• Cleaner urban environments

• Modern waste management systems

• Alternative, eco-friendly electricity sources

If successful, this project could become a national model for sustainable waste management.

FAQ

1. What is PSEL?
PSEL is a waste processing facility that converts waste into electricity using technologies like incineration or gasification.

2. Why is this project important?
It addresses waste issues while producing renewable energy at the same time.

3. When will the project start?
It is currently in the preparation and agreement finalization stage.

4. Does the project involve the new capital (IKN)?
Yes, especially in the Balikpapan Raya zone which includes the IKN area.

5. What are the benefits for local communities?
Cleaner surroundings, additional electricity supply, and new economic opportunities in waste management.

Prabowo Pushes Waste to Energy Projects as Indonesia Fights Growing Trash Crisis

Ria Sartika    Thursday, February 05, 2026    Comment   

Prabowo Pushes Waste to Energy Projects as Indonesia Fights Growing Trash Crisis

Prabowo Pushes Waste to Energy Projects as Indonesia Fights Growing Trash Crisis.

Indonesia is stepping up its game in tackling one of its biggest urban headaches: trash. President Prabowo Subianto has officially instructed the government to sharpen research and fast-track real solutions that directly impact people’s daily lives—starting with household and environmental waste.

Speaking after a coordination meeting at the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) in Jakarta, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the President wants innovation that doesn’t just stay on paper, but actually works on the ground.

“The President’s direction is clear—research must focus on solutions that can quickly help solve real community problems, especially waste management,” Prasetyo said.

According to him, Indonesia already has several research-based technologies capable of handling waste, from small household systems to village-level solutions. The challenge now is turning those innovations into real action that people can see and feel.

The government views the waste problem in layers. On a micro level, it starts with household trash, neighborhood waste, and village management. On a macro level, cities face massive waste volumes that require more advanced and large-scale solutions.

To address this, the government is preparing 34 waste-to-energy projects across the country. These projects aim to reduce landfill overload while turning trash into electric power, helping support national energy needs at the same time.

President Prabowo emphasized that waste-to-energy is no longer optional, especially as trash piles in major cities have reached alarming levels. If ignored, the situation could trigger serious environmental disasters and public health risks.

Through these projects, waste will no longer be seen as just a problem—but as a valuable energy resource.

Prasetyo explained that the projects will be built in 34 districts producing more than 1,000 tons of waste per day, requiring industrial-scale technology rather than small community systems.

“When the waste volume is that high, the equipment and technology must be on a completely different level,” he said.

That’s why the government is prioritizing adaptive technology, including properly scaled incinerators. However, technology alone won’t solve the issue.

Public awareness plays a major role. Educating communities about waste sorting at the source is considered essential for making waste-to-energy projects truly effective.

“Building facilities isn’t enough. Education is just as important if we want this program to succeed,” Prasetyo stressed.

With the combination of smart technology and stronger public participation, the government hopes Indonesia can finally turn its waste crisis into a sustainable energy opportunity—cleaner cities, safer environments, and power that benefits everyone.