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