Indonesia's Waste Segregation Policy Drives Local Recycling

Effective 1 August 2026, Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment mandated the cessation of open‑dumping at all final waste sites, requiring households to separate waste into organic, recyclable, fuel‑grade and residual streams. Kudus regency’s PKPLH head Muchlisin explained the move follows the new ministerial regulation and aims to improve waste management efficiency.

Cities across the country are implementing the policy with local initiatives. Makassar’s environmental agency, led by Dr. Sandra Wulan, is expanding TPS 3R facilities that convert organic waste into Black Soldier Fly maggot protein, producing up to 50 kg per day. In Jakarta, Governor Pramono Anung urged early‑childhood educators to teach waste sorting, noting that educated children can remind families to segregate waste. The capital’s Bantargebang landfill is being transformed into a controlled landfill with geomembrane covers, limiting open dumping to residual waste only.

Universities are also supporting the shift: a team from Diponegoro University (KKN‑T) taught circular‑economy principles and maggot farming in Semarang, while local NGOs demonstrate practical composting and biopore methods. Together, these actions aim to turn waste into resources, reduce landfill pressure, and create new economic opportunities.