Makassar implements mandatory waste sorting to reach 2029 waste-free goal

Makassar is implementing new waste management policies to reduce the burden on landfills, with a target of becoming waste-free by 2029. As of August 1, 2026, residents are required to sort waste into three categories: organic, inorganic, and residue. Melinda Aksa, Chairperson of the Makassar City Environmental Council, emphasized that only residue should be sent to landfills.

The city is also addressing issues at its landfills, which previously utilized open dumping methods. Following administrative sanctions from the Ministry of Environment, the Makassar City Government has begun restructuring landfill areas, including zoning and managing leachate and methane gas.

Nationally, Indonesia faces significant waste challenges. According to the National Waste Management Information System, Indonesia produced 31.9 million tons of waste in 2023, with approximately 35.6 percent remaining unmanaged. Unmanaged waste poses risks of landslides and methane-induced fires, as seen in recent incidents at the Jatiwaringin landfill.