PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) has begun implementing thermal technology in waste processing at the Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST). The technology can process waste quickly, thus becoming a solution to the limited capacity of the Sarimukti Final Disposal Site (TPA).

Thermal technology is part of the strategic waste management program initiated by Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan through government cooperation with the private sector.

Of the 15 planned TPSTs, two locations, namely TPST PSM Jalan PSM and TPST Babakan Sari Jalan Babakan Sari Kiaracondong have started the construction phase and are targeted to start operations at the end of May 2025.

The KPBU (Government and Business Entity Cooperation) system implemented makes private investors responsible for the construction and management of facilities, while the government only pays for waste processing services through a tipping fee scheme.

The thermal technology used in Bandung City refers to national regulations, namely the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry (Permen LHK) Number P.70 of 2016, which allows the use of thermal methods in waste management as long as certain requirements are met.

One of the requirements is that the engine used must be environmentally friendly and have a strict emission monitoring system.

"The installed thermal engines are required to undergo periodic emission tests every six months. Emission results must be within the tolerance limits permitted by regulations. So this is legal and in accordance with procedures," explained the Head of the Bandung City Environmental Service, Dudy Prayudi, at the PSM TPST, Bandung City, Friday (4/25/2025).

In addition to thermal, anaerobic technology is also used to support a circular economy, namely utilizing organic waste into energy or other useful products.

To date, of the 15 TPSTs planned to implement thermal technology, eight have attracted investor interest and are in the process of processing environmental documents, permits, and construction preparation. However, this process cannot be done instantly because thermal processing requires strict environmental documents and layered supervision.

However, the Bandung City Government is optimistic that the KPBU scheme will be a long-term solution for managing city waste. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/ Rani)