Indonesia waste technology and research initiatives

The Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) are collaborating on waste management technology trials. These initiatives aim to implement various solutions across different regions, including organic waste composting, biogas production from kitchen waste, and pyrolysis to convert plastics into liquid fuel. A specialized team will be tasked with selecting pilot villages and determining the most appropriate technologies for specific regional needs.

In parallel, BRIN has announced research developments targeting environmental and energy challenges. This includes field trials for a cassava flour and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) mixture designed to serve as a fire suppressant for forest and land fires.

Recent reports from BRIN Head Arif Satria to President Prabowo Subianto highlight a significant energy potential within the palm oil industry. Liquid and solid waste, specifically Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and empty fruit bunches, could potentially generate up to 3.9 gigawatts of electricity through biogas technology. This waste-to-energy initiative is intended to support the national energy transition and reduce the heavy reliance on LPG imports, which cost approximately Rp97 trillion annually. By converting biogas into bottled gas, the government aims to create a circular economy within the sector. Additionally, the Ministry of Cooperatives is working to strengthen the industry by encouraging smallholder farmers to enter processing through cooperatives, including the establishment of mills and refineries.