Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto officially announced the start of a national campaign against waste as part of the government’s commitment to creating a clean environment while promoting a green economy.
During the 2026 National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) of Central and Regional Governments in Sentul on Monday (2/2/2026), President Prabowo emphasized that waste management is not merely an aesthetic issue but a strategic challenge that must be addressed collectively by all elements of the nation.
“This waste problem is becoming serious; projections show that almost all waste sites will reach overcapacity by 2028, or even sooner,” President Prabowo said.
As a concrete step, the government is preparing several Waste-to-Energy (WtE) projects, known locally as Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Sampah (PLTSa). These projects are planned at 34 locations across various regencies and cities, with groundbreaking expected in the coming months and full operation targeted within two years.
“Solving our waste problem requires cooperation between central and regional governments, but we cannot wait. If necessary, for the people’s benefit, the central government will take the lead,” he explained.
In addition, the President will launch the Gerakan Indonesia Aman, Sehat, Resik, Indah (ASRI) movement to handle waste nationwide and create a clean, well-organized environment.
The President explained that this movement will involve community work activities, or gotong royong (communal labor). These efforts will take place not only in residential areas but also in offices and government institutions.
“The idea is that all government institutions must lead the community work. When hundreds of thousands participate, progress will be faster. What do we need? Carts, garbage trucks,” the President clarified.
Prabowo also stressed that waste management cannot be delayed, as it directly affects citizens’ well-being and the sustainability of tourism-based economic development.
According to him, tourism is the sector that absorbs labor most quickly and is the most cost-efficient for development, but it will collapse if the environment is not properly maintained.
Government responses to the waste challenge are supported by several officials. Previously, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung noted that the PLTSa projects have attracted attention from investors in multiple countries.
He added that, together with the Danantara Investment Management Agency (BPI), his office is currently identifying technology partners to ensure the projects operate efficiently. At least three countries have shown interest in participating in the PLTSa projects.
“The selection of partners will consider technologies that produce energy most efficiently. Additionally, they must have collaboration mechanisms that allow electricity from PLTSa to be absorbed by PLN as the offtaker,” he concluded.