Pekalongan Ready to Start 3.6-Hectare Waste-to-Energy Project

RRI.CO.ID, Pekalongan - The Pekalongan City Administration has finalized the preparation of 3.6 hectares of land to kickstart a regional Waste-to-Energy (PSEL) project, marking a significant step toward sustainable waste management for Central Java.

This initial plot is part of a larger 5.2-hectare requirement situated within the city forest area, designed to serve as a strategic hub for converting regional waste into renewable electricity.

Head of the Pekalongan City Environmental Agency, Joko Purnomo, confirmed on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, that the currently available space includes 3.6 hectares of forest and 0.6 hectares for access roads. Consequently, the administration is moving swiftly to bridge the remaining 0.8-hectare gap.

He emphasized that the city is fully committed to the land acquisition process, which will proceed through official budgeting and administrative appraisal once the central government issues the formal decree.

"The land we currently have is around 4.2 hectares, consisting of 3.6 hectares of city forest and approximately 0.6 hectares of access roads, so we still need an additional 0.8 hectares to meet the minimum requirements for PSEL construction," said Joko, as quoted by Antara.

Addressing environmental concerns regarding the use of existing green space, the administration has already designated a replacement site in the Pringrejo area. This new 4-hectare location is envisioned as a more representative green lung for the city, intended to function as an integrated farming zone connected to a Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST3R).

Logistical efficiency remains a cornerstone of the project’s design, with the site positioned near a major toll road interchange to accommodate the massive scale of regional operations. The facility is expected to process a minimum of 1,000 tons of waste daily, sourced from four neighboring regions, which are Pekalongan City, Pekalongan Regency, Batang Regency, and Pemalang Regency.

Joko highlighted that the strategic location is vital for maintaining traffic flow, as the project will involve a constant stream of logistics. "We estimate there will be around 350 trucks per day operating 24 hours a day. With direct access to the main road, it is expected not to cause congestion or traffic disturbances on public roads."

Ultimately, the PSEL project is positioned as a long-term infrastructure solution aimed at alleviating the waste burden in the Pekalongan Raya area.

"With a target waste volume of at least 1,000 tons per day, this facility is expected to be a long-term solution for waste management in the region while simultaneously generating renewable energy for the community," concluded Joko. ***