"Garbage, in my opinion, is a problem that has to be dealt with. We use domestic technology. This pilot project uses domestic components in nearly the whole part," he said in a press statement here, Tuesday.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan dedicated the Bantargebang waste-to-energy plant that is a pilot project of thermal process waste management in Bekasi, West Java, on Monday.

"Garbage, in my opinion, is a problem that has to be dealt with. We use domestic technology. This pilot project uses domestic components in nearly the entire process," he remarked in a press statement here, Tuesday.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Research, Technology, and Higher Education Minister Mohamad Nasir, Chairman of the Assessment and Application of Technology Agency (BPPT) Hammam Riza, and Yusmada Faizal, an official of the Jakarta Administration, among others.

The waste-to-energy plant called PLTSa "Merah-Putih" is an endeavor to solve the problem of urban waste in Indonesia.

The power plant has a capacity to process 100 tons of garbage daily and produce 750 kWh of electricity.

"If we do not begin, when will we make progress? This is important. We just do it. Later, if processing 100 tons per day works, we will replicate it in other cities, such as Labuan Bajo, Balige, Pontianak, and other cities that produce garbage of around 100-200 tons daily," he noted.

Replication of this pilot project is also expected to solve the landfill problem throughout the country.

BPPT Chairman Hammam Riza remarked that the PLTSa Merah-Putih utilizes a thermal technology that has been used in several other waste-to-energy plants in the world.

The thermal technology is environmentally friendly and economical. It mostly uses local components.

"This is a result of BPPT's study and built with local partners. Most of its equipment are domestic products, so we proudly call it PLTSa Merah Putih," Riza remarked.

Meanwhile, Minister Nasir stated that the most important aspect of this pilot project is waste management and not electricity production. This is part of the efforts to make a city cleaner.

"Do not think of energy production, but how to make Jakarta clean, Bekasi clean. That is what matters. We should not calculate the cost per kWH," he added.

Translator: Ade I Junida, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
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