For years, waste problem in Bali has attracted global attention. Now, Indonesia is taking a major step to change that. The government has officially launched the construction of a large-scale Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facility in Denpasar, aiming to tackle the island’s growing waste crisis while turning garbage into a valuable source of renewable energy.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Greater Denpasar Waste-to-Energy facility took place on July 8, 2026, through Danantara Indonesia. The project is the first implementation of Presidential Regulation No. 109 of 2025, which focuses on managing urban waste through environmentally friendly waste-to-renewable energy technology.
Muhammad Qodari, Head of Indonesia’s Government Communication Agency (Bakom), described the project as an important milestone in the country’s environmental development strategy.
“This project is part of our effort to deliver a more sustainable solution to the waste problem (in Bali) while maximizing its potential as a clean and renewable energy source,” Qodari said in a statement on Monday (July 13, 2026).
According to Qodari, President Prabowo Subianto has repeatedly stressed that waste management has become a national concern that requires immediate action. He said the President believes traditional waste management methods are no longer sufficient to deal with the growing volume of waste across the country.
“If we continue allowing waste to accumulate without an integrated management system, by 2028 our waste disposal sites will be completely overwhelmed due to exceeding their capacity,” Qodari said.
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One of the government’s biggest concerns is the condition of Suwung Final Disposal Site (TPA Suwung) in Bali. Every day, Denpasar City and Badung Regency in Bali collectively generate around 1,600 tons of waste. More than 72 percent of that waste is still transported directly to the landfill, increasing pressure on facilities that are already nearing their limits.
To help solve the problem, the new facility will use modern moving grate incinerator technology. The system automatically mixes and moves waste through a high-temperature combustion chamber, allowing large volumes of garbage to be processed efficiently.
Once completed, the Rp3 trillion facility is expected to begin operations by the end of 2027. It will be capable of processing up to 1,500 tons of waste every day while reducing overall waste volume by approximately 80 to 90 percent. At the same time, the process will generate electricity, transforming waste into a productive energy resource.
Not all waste will be incinerated. The remaining waste will continue to be managed through a comprehensive Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) strategy that begins at the source, creating a more balanced and sustainable waste management system.
Qodari emphasized that the project is about much more than building infrastructure.
“This is not merely about building a facility or installing machines. It is about creating a long-term solution to restore people’s right to a clean and healthy environment,” he said.
He added that environmentally friendly technology allows waste to become an economic asset instead of an environmental burden, creating direct benefits for communities while supporting cleaner energy production.
The government also views the Denpasar project as a national model. Once operational, the Bali facility will serve as a benchmark for similar developments across Indonesia. Plans are already in place to build Waste-to-Energy facilities in 34 metropolitan areas, helping address waste management challenges in approximately 60 to 70 cities and regencies nationwide.
Beyond environmental improvements, the project is expected to deliver significant economic benefits. Qodari said the new facility could create around 1,200 green jobs, encourage investment in green technologies, and support the growth of a healthier and more sustainable local economy.
He also expressed hope that the initiative will help reduce the growing waste piles that threaten public health while contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions across the country.
“This is a tangible example of future-oriented environmental transformation. The government is fully committed to ensuring that the construction of this facility proceeds quickly and achieves its intended goals,” Qodari said.
