Indonesia promotes pyrolysis to augment waste-to-energy capacity

Indonesia is pushing for the adoption of pyrolysis technology to complement Waste-to-Energy (PSEL) programs in addressing the nation's waste crisis. Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan stated that current PSEL developments are expected to handle only about 22 percent of national waste production.

Pyrolysis is intended to process accumulated waste at landfills, converting it into renewable fuel comparable to diesel. The government estimates that widespread use of pyrolysis could address an additional 20 percent of the national waste problem.

Under Presidential Regulation Number 109 of 2025, Indonesia plans to establish 13 PSEL locations, including a facility in Palembang targeted to operate by October 2026. The government is also collaborating with the Indonesian Army (TNI AD) and local governments to develop pilot projects in Bogor, Semarang, Bekasi, and Jakarta.