Buleleng Partners with BRIN to Advance Waste Management Innovation

RRI.CO.ID, Buleleng - The Buleleng Regency Administration in Bali is intensifying its waste management efforts through a strategic partnership centered on data and innovation with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). This collaboration was highlighted by a formal visit from the BRIN research team to the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Waste Treatment Site (TPS3R) in Baktiseraga Village on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The visit is a critical component of a broader study on the Clean Bali Movement, which seeks to evaluate and refine waste management practices from upstream to downstream levels across the province.

A Policy Analyst from BRIN, Argo Nugroho, emphasized that waste management in Bali is a matter of high urgency that extends beyond hygiene. “Waste management is crucial because it is directly linked to Bali’s image as an international destination,” Argo said, as quoted by Infopublik.id.

He noted that the sustainability of the tourism sector depends on a comprehensive, data-driven approach to environmental cleanliness.

Buleleng was selected for this study because it represents the unique environmental characteristics of both coastal and rural regions. The data collected from the field will serve as the foundation for future policy recommendations.

Initial findings at the Baktiseraga TPS3R indicate a successful model, particularly in the area of organic processing, where the facility has effectively utilized technology to convert organic waste into high-quality compost. This approach has generated significant economic value because, beyond the obvious environmental benefits, the processing of waste has provided an added revenue stream for the site's operators.

Furthermore, the success of the site is bolstered by strong collaboration, as BRIN has coordinated closely with local village officials and waste managers. Together, they are working to strengthen "upstream" efforts by focusing heavily on educating households to sort their waste at the source, ensuring a more efficient management system from the start.

While the current operations are performing well, the research team identified a need to increase service capacity to reach a wider segment of the population. Moving forward, the development of the system will require targeted improvements in technology, human resources, and cross-sectoral support.

By leveraging BRIN’s research capabilities, the Buleleng Regency Administration is reaffirming its commitment to a sustainable waste management system that enhances the quality of life for its residents while protecting the island's natural beauty.

The collaboration between Buleleng and BRIN represents a sophisticated shift toward evidence-based governance. By treating waste management as a research subject rather than just a logistics problem, the regency is ensuring that its infrastructure investments are backed by scientific data.

This is particularly vital for coastal and rural zones where traditional urban waste models often fail due to different waste compositions and geographical constraints.

Furthermore, the focus on the economic value of compost at the Baktiseraga TPS3R proves that sustainability can be a driver for local economic resilience. By turning "waste into wealth," Buleleng is creating a circular economy model that incentivizes local communities to participate in the "Clean Bali" Movement.

As the regency scales these technological and educational efforts, it sets a benchmark for how local governments can use national research institutions to solve localized environmental challenges. ***