Speaking in Jakarta on Thursday, Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat said the government is preparing to build waste-to-energy plants (PSEL) in several locations, including Jakarta, to reduce waste sent to the Bantargebang Integrated Landfill.
"But the question now is what can be done in the next two to three years. This is also our challenge. We need some kind of transitional technology to ensure methane emissions are reduced without having to wait for the facility to operate," he said.
Methane is produced from organic waste disposed of in landfills without proper management. As a greenhouse gas, methane contributes to climate change and can trigger landfill fires during extreme heat.
Jumhur said transitional technology is needed given the continuous generation of waste every day.
Therefore, while awaiting the completion of PSEL projects, alternative technologies are needed to reduce waste accumulation.
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"We are currently finalizing our measures, including technologies developed by local innovators that can immediately reduce methane gas emissions," he said.
Jumhur also said he discussed waste issues with former environment minister Emil Salim, as waste directly affects communities and involves many stakeholders.
The two discussed not only waste reduction efforts but also waste management that could generate added value.
They also discussed community involvement in waste management, including scavengers, and innovations that transform waste into products such as paving blocks.
Jumhur said Emil Salim had advised him to involve community groups in environmental movements.
"Environmental movements should not belong only to the Environment Ministry, but to everyone. We must especially respect those who voluntarily work to save the earth and the environment," he said.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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