Waste Management in Indonesia

[harryopal1]

Just this week a toxic algal bloom the size of Kangaroo Island (155 ks long and 55 ks wide) was reported in South Australia with fears that it will heavily impact fishermen and tourism operators. The issue of plastic waste is visible and excites a lot of ideas how to deal with it. Worlwide, billions of people have their laundy done using laundry soaps which eventually flush into rivers and the sea. Laundry soap phosphates are known to cause algal blooms and a range of other chemicals are also damaging to marine life. Then there are caustic toilet cleaners which are marketed with heavy advertising showing how wonderul they are keeping a sparkling clean toilet. These are also loaded with caustic chemicals acids. These are other serious pollutants which threaten the viability of our oceans as providers of food and we seem to have not really even begun to consider this. Hate to think how the oceans will be in another couple of decades.

We should all be supporting Elon Musk with his plans for Mars as a fall back for the loss of a viable planet earth

 

[pantaiema]

You keep rambling on, but you say nothing about any solutions! We already know about hollow government degrees, so either give us some solutions to the plastic problem, or move on to another topic! Talk is Cheap!

This is a great idea, but you forget, this Indonesia, and nobody cares about these 3 concepts! Why do you keep repeating yourself about this subject? Nothing is going to Change until the Government makes the Plastic Producers First pay for Cleaning up what they have created, and make Plastic Biodegradable! And the Police fine People throwing Trash everywhere! This will happen when Pigs can Fly!

Beside three pillars 3Es & 3PS I also mention about a more provocative solution to dump their garbage in the river, leave it by the roadside that fuelled fierce reaction.

If people can't find a regularly serviced garbage collection point nearby, what other option left ?? These solution might not be good for society but that is the solution for these households, and also this is aligned with Indonesian solution !! . Calling these people, thieves, criminals won’t solve the issue when the infrastructure for proper waste disposal simply isn’t there. These people certainly do not need education to be told to save money if another cheaper option is there. When sensible individuals are forced to choose between letting household garbage pile up and rot inside their homes or disposing of it improperly in the environment, what do you think they will choose?

Imagine, how many regularly serviced garbage collection points could be added if the funds from the Balinese tourist levy is being used properly? The real thieves are those who pocket this easy money to boost their own, their staffs income and bribe other party, so everyone will shut their mouths, no whistle blowers. Also this category will include people who try to divert the issue, play a blame game like in post #54.

 

[Shadrach]

You're singing to the choir! And they're all falling asleep! Yawn!

 

[Wisnu]

The TPA near us is closed recently. No solution provided by the Banjar and Desa. Easy to blame the govt but it is not my intention.
No problem with organic waste - I like to compost it for our garden and rice fields. For non-organic, I am making a small eco-friendly incinerator. Already ordered castable refractory cement from Surabaya. I expect to reach temp. 800 - 1000 C to breakdown the VOC from plastic. Then I plan to build my own smoke wet scrubber since the cheapest commercial smoke scrubber is around Rp. 50 million. The idea, smoke from the 4" chimney will be sucked with a 4" exhaust fan before being washed with water spray. To reduce costs I will use 1.5m of 6" PVC pipe left over from our toilet plumbing construction.

Frankly I don't have much experience in this matter. I have asked for help from Google and YouTube, but if you would like to give me some input, I would be very grateful - and if you stop by our hut, cold beer and sababay or hatten wine will be available.
The idea is cheap, I have allocated around Rp. 5 million excluding labor costs.
If successful, I will make a bigger one for our village. I think this is better than screaming, whining and complaining.

 

[Hawk256]

The TPA near us is closed recently. No solution provided by the Banjar and Desa. Easy to blame the govt but it is not my intention.
No problem with organic waste - I like to compost it for our garden and rice fields. For non-organic, I am making a small eco-friendly incinerator. Already ordered castable refractory cement from Surabaya. I expect to reach temp. 800 - 1000 C to breakdown the VOC from plastic. Then I plan to build my own smoke wet scrubber since the cheapest commercial smoke scrubber is around Rp. 50 million. The idea, smoke from the 4" chimney will be sucked with a 4" exhaust fan before being washed with water spray. To reduce costs I will use 1.5m of 6" PVC pipe left over from our toilet plumbing construction.

Frankly I don't have much experience in this matter. I have asked for help from Google and YouTube, but if you would like to give me some input, I would be very grateful - and if you stop by our hut, cold beer and sababay or hatten wine will be available.
The idea is cheap, I have allocated around Rp. 5 million excluding labor costs.
If successful, I will make a bigger one for our village. I think this is better than screaming, whining and complaining.

So glad to hear this and your see you attitude. Instead of doing nothing but complaining you are searching for a solution not just for you but for others as well. I hope you can easily find the help you need. I wish I knew more about the subject but it's well out of my wheelhouse.

 

[harryopal1]

The TPA near us is closed recently. No solution provided by the Banjar and Desa. Easy to blame the govt but it is not my intention.
No problem with organic waste - I like to compost it for our garden and rice fields. For non-organic, I am making a small eco-friendly incinerator. Already ordered castable refractory cement from Surabaya. I expect to reach temp. 800 - 1000 C to breakdown the VOC from plastic. Then I plan to build my own smoke wet scrubber since the cheapest commercial smoke scrubber is around Rp. 50 million. The idea, smoke from the 4" chimney will be sucked with a 4" exhaust fan before being washed with water spray. To reduce costs I will use 1.5m of 6" PVC pipe left over from our toilet plumbing construction.

Frankly I don't have much experience in this matter. I have asked for help from Google and YouTube, but if you would like to give me some input, I would be very grateful - and if you stop by our hut, cold beer and sababay or hatten wine will be available.
The idea is cheap, I have allocated around Rp. 5 million excluding labor costs.
If successful, I will make a bigger one for our village. I think this is better than screaming, whining and complaining.

You might try Chat GPT.

 

[Wisnu]

You might try Chat GPT.

I did. Very similar with what i plan above. However, suggestion and feedback from real person experience and or expert would be very helpful to minimise trial and error.

 

[jstar]

The TPA near us is closed recently. No solution provided by the Banjar and Desa. Easy to blame the govt but it is not my intention.
No problem with organic waste - I like to compost it for our garden and rice fields. For non-organic, I am making a small eco-friendly incinerator. Already ordered castable refractory cement from Surabaya. I expect to reach temp. 800 - 1000 C to breakdown the VOC from plastic. Then I plan to build my own smoke wet scrubber since the cheapest commercial smoke scrubber is around Rp. 50 million. The idea, smoke from the 4" chimney will be sucked with a 4" exhaust fan before being washed with water spray. To reduce costs I will use 1.5m of 6" PVC pipe left over from our toilet plumbing construction.

Frankly I don't have much experience in this matter. I have asked for help from Google and YouTube, but if you would like to give me some input, I would be very grateful - and if you stop by our hut, cold beer and sababay or hatten wine will be available.
The idea is cheap, I have allocated around Rp. 5 million excluding labor costs.
If successful, I will make a bigger one for our village. I think this is better than screaming, whining and complaining.

The scrubber might clean and filter the air but what about the toxic ash you create?

I was always led to believe that even modern state of the art incinerators are worse than landfills. Eco friendly does not seem to exist. And things like glass won’t completely melt at 800°C.

In Bali there are (were) some recycling initiatives who pick up plastics (PET) metals and other material at the house. But one we used went bankrupt and the other doesn’t respond to our inquiries anymore.

I think in the end you just need to avoid buying things that are packed in styrofoam, bubble wrap, transparent glass, etc. The generic aluminum Nespresso capsules are also available from Indonesian coffee companies now. Beer cans and bottles no problem, just like paper and carton these are always popular.

 

[Wisnu]

The scrubber might clean and filter the air but what about the toxic ash you create?

I was always led to believe that even modern state of the art incinerators are worse than landfills. Eco friendly does not seem to exist. And things like glass won’t completely melt at 800°C.

In Bali there are (were) some recycling initiatives who pick up plastics (PET) metals and other material at the house. But one we used went bankrupt and the other doesn’t respond to our inquiries anymore.

I think in the end you just need to avoid buying things that are packed in styrofoam, bubble wrap, transparent glass, etc. The generic aluminum Nespresso capsules are also available from Indonesian coffee companies now. Beer cans and bottles no problem, just like paper and carton these are always popular.

Let be realistic.
Although we try to minimize plastics but in reality we are not able to avoid it at all.
The reason i want to have high temp incinerator is to break the VOC significantly at high temp and then washed with water.
Again to be realistic not possible to totally avoid it.
As mentioned in my original post, the TPA near us has been closed.

 

[jstar]

Pemuda Bali ekspor 'sampah plastik' hingga ke Spanyol - 'Dari bartender menjadi pemulung' - BBC News Indonesia

Pada 2016, Putu Eka Darmawan memutuskan berhenti dari pekerjaannya sebagai bartender di sebuah kapal pesiar Amerika Serikat dan kembali ke kampung halaman di Buleleng, Bali, untuk “menjadi pemulung” dan berkutat dengan sampah plastik. Kini, Eka telah membuat berbagai produk daur ulang plastik...

www.bbc.com

For those on Bali who wonder what to do with their waste, this might be an option to look into.

For like 130K they pick up the inorganic trash, provide you with different color sorting bags, etc.

ecoBali Recycling – Responsible Waste Management & Sustainable Lifestyle in the Island of Bali

eco-bali.com

There were also some companies who provided free pickups, but like I said before I think they are out of business. It’s a shame.

 

[Hawk256]

There were also some companies who provided free pickups, but like I said before I think they are out of business. It’s a shame.

Obviously not a sustainable business at this point. Not sure that it will ever be. The government needs to do better.

 

[pantaiema]

Another good news for people living in Bali, you will get a new International airport

https://en.antaranews.com/news/362321/prabowo-greenlights-second-bali-airport-development
Prabowo greenlights second Bali airport development

But do not be surprised if more local Balinese residents will resort to illegally dumping their trash. But hopefully this time they will also bring the problem to other people backyards to be in line with the new nice buzzword, DEI (Diversity, equity, and inclusion) principle by dumping that at the roadside along the way to the airport.

Also not to mention the noise pollution for people living relatively close to the take off and landing area of the airport.

New Airport, railways seem to be more important than basic sanitary needs, adequate waste processing facilities or regularly maintained waste collection point in this country.

 

[Balifrog]

New Airport, railways seem to be more important than basic sanitary needs, adequate waste processing facilities or regularly maintained waste collection point in this country.

Agreed.
And I doubt it makes sense economically.
It would be much better to build a proper highway from the South to the North.

 

[Shadrach]

Agreed.
And I doubt it makes sense economically.
It would be much better to build a proper highway from the South to the North.

I totally agree about that! It is ridiculous to drive from Tabanan, Mengwi, or Ubud to Sanur and everybody has to go through all the small villages, with Huge trucks, and oversized buses, and thousands of motorbikes. What should take 30 minutes, takes 2 hours! since everyone drives a private car, and there is no reliable public transportation! If any of the Government officials come through, they hire a Police escort with sirens, and flashing lights to speed up their journey.
The Government has dreams of a New Northern airport, and new Hotels, Hospitals, and lots of Rich people coming to an overcrowded, polluted, overpriced little island! Why would anyone want to land at an airport in North Bali, just to have to hire transport to come back to South Bali?
They really need to control the mass migration of Indonesian People coming to Bali chasing their Dream! Just go to Ubud and see the percentage of Indonesian drivers compared to Tourists? 99% of the drivers are Indonesian People, not from Ubud! Grab, and Gojek have gotten out of control with taking over the Taxi business. You see them driving through town going as slow as a snail, with just 1 driver, looking for business, holding up traffic.
So as others mentioned. Before building Airports, and fancy hotels and Hospitals. Fix the infrastructure already here. Build a North, South Bypass, develop Waste management facilities, or better Yet. Make the Producers of Plastic, pay for cleaning up all the plastic here Now, and Stop using Petrochemicals to make Plastic! Only Biodegradable oils and Natural substances! Strongly promote Educating the People to Stop throwing Rubbish Everywhere! And To Keep Bali Clean!

 

[Bob]

Agreed.
And I doubt it makes sense economically.
It would be much better to build a proper highway from the South to the North.

Bali being such a small island though, a limited access highway that long would make a major gash in the countryside. Then again putting a new airport next to WBNP will shake things up there too.

 

[Bob]

I totally agree about that! It is ridiculous to drive from Tabanan, Mengwi, or Ubud to Sanur and everybody has to go through all the small villages, with Huge trucks, and oversized buses, and thousands of motorbikes. What should take 30 minutes, takes 2 hours! since everyone drives a private car, and there is no reliable public transportation! If any of the Government officials come through, they hire a Police escort with sirens, and flashing lights to speed up their journey.
The Government has dreams of a New Northern airport, and new Hotels, Hospitals, and lots of Rich people coming to an overcrowded, polluted, overpriced little island! Why would anyone want to land at an airport in North Bali, just to have to hire transport to come back to South Bali?
They really need to control the mass migration of Indonesian People coming to Bali chasing their Dream! Just go to Ubud and see the percentage of Indonesian drivers compared to Tourists? 99% of the drivers are Indonesian People, not from Ubud! Grab, and Gojek have gotten out of control with taking over the Taxi business. You see them driving through town going as slow as a snail, with just 1 driver, looking for business, holding up traffic.
So as others mentioned. Before building Airports, and fancy hotels and Hospitals. Fix the infrastructure already here. Build a North, South Bypass, develop Waste management facilities, or better Yet. Make the Producers of Plastic, pay for cleaning up all the plastic here Now, and Stop using Petrochemicals to make Plastic! Only Biodegradable oils and Natural substances! Strongly promote Educating the People to Stop throwing Rubbish Everywhere! And To Keep Bali Clean!

Is North Bali now crowded and polluted? It’s been a few years since I’ve been there but from Singaraja west was fairly unspoiled then. Of course a new airport there will change that.

 

[harryopal1]

A son, just returned from 6 weeks touring England and Scotland concludes there are just too many people in the world. In 2024 1.4 billion tourist travelled throughout the world. The demands created by tourism is turning Bali into a kind of Bali Disneyland with local cultural activities being more to do with entertaining tourists than a natural cultural expession. And much the same process is taking place in so many other places. London has a resident population of about 9 million and there are 30 million tourists visit each year.

 

[pantaiema]

Bali being such a small island though, a limited access highway that long would make a major gash in the countryside. Then again putting a new airport next to WBNP will shake things up there too.

In Indonesia, the local government tends to have little interest in building regular 'highways or motorways' let alone if using their local governmental budget. However, when it comes to 'toll roads', the local government will like it as many opportunistic businessmen are quick to submit proposals. Similarly to when it comes to collect money locally like people have witnessed in Balinese tourist levy.

It closely resembles the National Strategic Project (PSN). By deliberately using the term "Toll Road" instead of "Highway" or "Motorway," government officials and Indonesian businessmen are able to acquire land, beachfront, forests, and other public assets at minimal cost compared to the large profits they stand to gain. This reflects a common way some Indonesian conglomerates to generate wealth domestically, though they often struggle to compete in international markets, as thos preactice can not be repllicated internationally.

Indonesia is one of the countries with a large and rapidly growing 'toll road' network, growing popularity of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) such as PSN (National Strategic Project) especially in South East Asia.

 

[jstar]

The highway between north and south is being perceived but the funding of the multi trillion rupiah project is a problem; just like the sea wall in front of Jakarta and the new capital, they would like to have funding from the private sector.

Many opportunistic real estate developers are already jumping on the opportunity and starting projects in the north btw. Can’t blame them.

 

[pantaiema]

Another good news for people living in Bali, you will get a new International airport

https://en.antaranews.com/news/362321/prabowo-greenlights-second-bali-airport-development
Prabowo greenlights second Bali airport development

But do not be surprised if more local Balinese residents will resort to illegally dumping their trash. But hopefully this time they will also bring the problem to other people backyards to be in line with the new nice buzzword, DEI (Diversity, equity, and inclusion) principle by dumping that at the roadside along the way to the airport.

Also not to mention the noise pollution for people living relatively close to the take off and landing area of the airport.

New Airport, railways seem to be more important than basic sanitary needs, adequate waste processing facilities or regularly maintained waste collection point in this country.

It is now a done deal.

BALI INFO on Instagram: "The construction of the North Bali Airport is finally showing concrete progress after being stalled for nine years. Erwanto Sad Adiatmoko, President Director of PT BIBU Panji Sakti, confirmed that the groundbreaking will take

2,112 likes, 292 comments - bali.info.official on June 29, 2025: "The construction of the North Bali Airport is finally showing concrete progress after being stalled for nine years. Erwanto Sad Adiatmoko, President Director of PT BIBU Panji Sakti, confirmed that the groundbreaking will take...

www.instagram.com

This Rp 50T project sounds impressive, especially since it claims to proceed without using the state budget (APBN). BUT BUT, there’s more to the story.

The project encompasses not just an international airport, but also the creation of an aerotropolis and aerocity, fully integrated with the toll road network.

Let’s see how many ordinary locals and indigenous communities will have their land forcefully taken, likely for a small fraction of its true value. Let see how many monopoly practices, using the thugs, the government to protect them. Also do not be surprised it the project cost will be multiple times of its originally estimated value.

That is why I personally will not blame if more local Balinese residents will resort to illegally dumping their trash. But hopefully this time they will also bring the problem to this businesses and other people backyards to be in line with the new nice buzzword, DEI (Diversity, equity, and inclusion) principle by dumping that at the roadside, toll road along the way to the airport so more International community could see what have been going on with the garbage problem in Bali.