New Problems in Converting Waste to Energy
The government is accelerating waste-to-energy projects using incineration technology. Pollution risks remain a concern.
Under a makeshift tent at the Legok Nangka Regional Waste Processing and Final Disposal Facility in Nagreg, Bandung Regency, a dozen workers watched as drilling machines descended 45 meters into the earth. Five additional rigs were active nearby, all part of an effort to assess soil density for the construction of a waste-to-energy facility. This testing marked the continuation of last year's survey at 26 sites. The aim was to identify the optimal location for the PSEL facility at the Legok Nangka site.
Parallel to these tests, a landfill had been prepared to receive residual waste. Spanning seven times the size of a soccer field, the landfill was built with a geomembrane lining to prevent water and gas permeability. Vertical pipes were installed at its base, connecting to a wastewater treatment plant established in 2013.
The concept of the Legok Nangka waste-to-energy project originated over 16 years ago, aiming to tackle waste management issues across six regencies and cities in Greater Bandung. However, the project faced numerous obstacles, including licensing, government guarantees, and the specifics of an electricity purchase agreement. After an extensive process, the Rp7.2 trillion (approximately US$402 million) megaproject was officially inaugurated with a groundbreaking ceremony on July 29, 2026.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
