Jakarta, 13 November 2025 — The Prasasti Center for Policy Studies (Prasasti) argues that the waste issue can no longer be viewed merely as a matter of cleanliness; it has now entered the domains of economics, public health, and environmental sustainability. This was conveyed during the Building a Circular Future discussion organized by PT TBS Energi Utama Tbk. (TBS).
According to Gundy Cahyadi, Research Director of the Prasasti Center for Policy Studies, around 40% of national waste is still not properly managed. “More than 80% of that ends up in open burning or open-dumping landfills. This situation not only causes pollution but also poses a serious threat to public health and the climate,” Gundy explained.
This condition aligns with data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) in 2024, which recorded Indonesia’s total waste at 34 million tons. “To illustrate, that amount is equivalent to a train stretching from Sabang to Merauke,” Gundy said.
In his presentation, Gundy outlined three main causes behind Indonesia’s waste crisis. First, rapid population growth, which automatically increases household waste volume. Second, a shift in consumption patterns toward a more consumer-driven lifestyle, marked by higher use of single-use packaging and instant food or delivery services. Third, limited waste-management infrastructure and systems, which remain largely “patchwork solutions.”
“Regulations actually exist, but implementation often stalls midway. Many regions still lack a solid waste-management system,” Gundy noted. He also highlighted disparities in waste-collection services, limited environmental-sector investment, and weak law enforcement as major barriers.
Nevertheless, Prasasti sees significant opportunities within this crisis. In recent years, more businesses and investors have begun exploring the waste-management sector as a sustainable industry and source of green-job creation. Prasasti believes that with the right solutions, the waste crisis can be turned into a benefit.
“Indonesia’s geographical challenges are indeed complex—from logistics to high costs—but the economic potential is also tremendous. Waste management can be an entry point toward a circular economy and a green transition,” said Gundy.
Prasasti asserts that long-term solutions require cross-sector synergy among government, industry, and civil society. Collaboration-based approaches, technological innovation, and investment in the recycling value chain will be crucial for Indonesia to transform the narrative from “crisis” to “opportunity.”
“If these three elements can work in synergy, we can turn this pile of problems into a pile of opportunities. It’s time for Indonesia to be known not for its waste, but for its solutions,” Gundy concluded. (*)