Samarinda Steps Up Waste Management With 10 Modern Incinerator-Based Facilities

Ria Sartika    Friday, March 27, 2026    Comment   

Samarinda Steps Up Waste Management With 10 Modern Incinerator-Based Facilities

Samarinda prepares 10 modern incinerator-based TPS facilities to reduce up to 600 tons of waste daily, supporting cleaner and sustainable urban management.

The Samarinda City Government is stepping up its efforts to tackle the long-standing issue of urban waste with a more advanced and technology-driven approach.

Through an innovative strategy, the city is preparing 10 modern Temporary Disposal Sites (TPS) equipped with environmentally friendly incinerator technology. This initiative aims to significantly reduce waste volume while also improving the city’s overall cleanliness and visual appeal.

Samarinda Mayor Andi Harun explained that the incinerator technology being used differs from conventional waste-burning systems.

“This incinerator does not release smoke into the air. Instead, emissions are directed downward and processed through a water filtration system. The water is also ensured to meet quality standards before being discharged,” he said after inspecting the TPS facility in Baqa Subdistrict, Samarinda Seberang, on Friday.

Advanced Technology With Minimal Pollution

One of the key advantages of this system is its chimney-free design, which minimizes air pollution risks. This directly addresses public concerns about the environmental impact of waste incineration.

According to Andi Harun, waste management should not only focus on reducing volume but also consider urban aesthetics to maintain a clean and livable city.

Currently, all 10 units are functionally ready.

“Only minor work remains, such as landscaping and administrative completion. God willing, these facilities will be operational by May or before June 2026,” he added.

Large Capacity, Significant Impact

Each incinerator unit has a capacity of 20 tons of waste per 8 hours. When operated in three shifts, a single unit can process up to 60 tons of waste per day.

With all 10 units in operation, Samarinda has the potential to reduce up to 600 tons of waste daily, marking a significant step forward in urban waste management.

Aligned With National Waste Management Trends

Samarinda’s initiative aligns with the broader national trend of adopting thermal-based waste processing technologies.

Currently, Indonesia’s incinerator programs are implemented through two main approaches:

1. National Strategic Projects (PSEL/PLTSa)

Focused on converting waste into electrical energy in major cities, including:

• Surabaya (Benowo Landfill)

• Solo (Putri Cempo Waste-to-Energy Plant)

• Jakarta (Intermediate Waste Processing Facility in Tebet area)

• Tangerang & Bekasi (TPS3R and Burangkeng Landfill development)

• South Sulawesi (pilot incinerator project with full permits)

2. City and Regional Scale Programs

Several regions are independently developing solutions, such as:

• Bandung adding 25 environmentally tested incinerator units

• Yogyakarta operating 4 units since 2025 after the closure of Piyungan Landfill

• Pekalongan and Pasuruan testing local technologies and deploying units at sub-district levels

Additionally, through the investment management body Danantara, the government targets the development of Waste-to-Energy facilities in 33–34 cities/regencies that produce over 1,000 tons of waste per day.

A Concrete Step Toward a Cleaner City

With the development of these modern TPS facilities, Samarinda demonstrates a strong commitment to building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban environment.

This is not just about disposing of waste—but managing it intelligently and responsibly.

FAQ

1. What is an incinerator?
An incinerator is a device that processes waste by burning it using controlled technology to significantly reduce its volume.

2. Is incinerator technology harmful to the environment?
Not necessarily. Modern systems like those used in Samarinda include filtration processes that minimize environmental impact.

3. When will the facilities start operating?
They are expected to be operational by May or before June 2026.

4. What is the total processing capacity?
Each unit can process up to 60 tons per day, with a total of 600 tons per day across all units.

5. What are the main benefits of this program?
Reducing waste volume, addressing landfill limitations, and improving urban cleanliness and aesthetics.

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.