New Waste-to-Energy Facility to Tackle Bandung Waste Emergency

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Environment Ministry is moving to fast-track a waste-to-energy plant for the Bandung Raya area, West Java, as authorities race to address an increasingly urgent waste crisis in West Java. The project, centered on the Oxbow Cicukang site in Margaasih, Bandung Regency, is being positioned as a long-term solution while temporary measures are prepared in the meantime.

The Ministry of Environment is preparing to accelerate the construction of a waste-to-energy facility to deal with the emergency waste situation in Bandung Raya, West Java. Environment Minister, Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat, said the government does not want the project to drag on, so the region’s waste problem can be addressed as quickly as possible.

"We certainly don't want to drag this project out. If a decision is made in the coordination meeting, the auction for this waste-to-energy project can be carried out immediately," he said in Bandung Regency on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

He explained that relevant agencies are currently pushing ahead with the development of the Processing Waste into Electrical Energy, or PSEL, facility at Oxbow Cicukang, Margaasih. The project is intended to relieve mounting waste pressure in the area, which officials say has become increasingly urgent.

Minister Jumhur said the ministry and its technical team have already reviewed the proposed site. He described it as more suitable than the previous plan because it is farther from residential areas and closer to a water source.

"This location is much more adequate because it is far from residential areas and close to water sources," he said, as quoted by Antara.

According to him, the process from tender to contractor appointment is expected to take about one year. If the schedule goes smoothly, the facility could begin operating in 1.5 to 2 years.

While construction is underway, the ministry and local administrations are also preparing short-term waste-handling measures using incinerators and refuse-derived fuel, or RDF technology.

West Java Regional Secretary, Herman Suryatman, voiced support for the plan, saying waste management in Bandung Raya is one of the province’s priorities. "The Governor is committed to making resolving the waste problem in Greater Bandung one of his top priorities," he said.

Bandung Regent, Dadang Supriatna, said Bandung Regency is still facing a waste emergency because of limited disposal capacity. He said daily waste generation has reached around 1,800 tons, while the disposal quota is only about 280 tons per day.

"The emergency waste situation is due to the limited quota of 280 tons per day, while waste production reaches around 1,800 tons per day," he said.

Dadang added that he understands public frustration and wants the program to move faster, while also urging residents to help reduce waste at the source and improve management from the upstream level. ***