RRI.CO.ID, Bekasi - Indonesia is taking a major step toward tackling its waste crisis, with the groundbreaking of a waste-to-energy facility in Bekasi Raya scheduled for March 2026.

The project, designed to convert household and industrial waste into electricity, is part of President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to strengthen environmental management in one of Southeast Asia’s largest industrial zones.

Indonesian Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq confirmed the plan during a visit to Cikarang on Monday, March 2, 2026. “We are moving forward with waste-to-energy as instructed by President Prabowo Subianto for Bekasi Raya, covering both Bekasi City and Bekasi Regency. Groundbreaking will take place this March,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

The initiative has been coordinated with Minister of Investment/Investment Coordinating Agency (BKPM) Head Rosan Roeslani, who also leads Danantara, the project’s partner.

Minister Hanif noted that construction will take 2.5 to 3 years before the facility becomes fully operational, stressing that waste management efforts must continue at maximum capacity during the transition period.

He emphasized that waste handling is not solely the responsibility of local leaders but requires active participation from all elements of society, including the military, police, and regional leadership coordination forums.

“Without collective involvement, the regent cannot manage this alone. Public awareness campaigns must continue, and minor violations of waste regulations should be enforced,” Minister Hanif said.

The minister also highlighted the urgent condition of Burangkeng landfill in Bekasi Regency, which has exceeded capacity. He urged the local administration to adopt comprehensive strategies to address the crisis.

“I am confident the regent has a plan. With step-by-step measures and support from regional leadership, we can resolve Bekasi’s waste problem,” he added.

The Bekasi waste-to-energy project is expected to become a model for sustainable urban management, combining infrastructure development with community participation to reduce environmental pressures in Indonesia’s industrial heartland. ***