Indonesia ramps up waste-to-energy projects, targeting 30 sites by 2028

Indonesia is accelerating the development of waste‑to‑energy (PSEL) facilities across the country. Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan announced that three sites will break ground soon, with 12 more entering partner‑selection and a total of about 30 locations slated for operation by 2028 under Presidential Regulation No. 109/2025. The programme aims to curb landfill use, generate renewable electricity and cut carbon emissions, addressing the nation’s waste challenge of roughly 60 million tonnes a year.

In Semarang, mayor Agustina Wilujeng highlighted strong investor interest in a flagship PSEL project at the Jatibarang landfill. Around 85 prospective investors from multiple countries have shown interest, with six companies already visiting the site and a projected investment of roughly Rp3 trillion. The city expects the plant to turn municipal waste into electricity, create jobs and boost its green‑economy profile.

The government also encourages complementary technologies such as refuse‑derived fuel, composting, integrated waste‑processing sites and pyrolysis, calling for collaboration among regional authorities, businesses, academics and the public.