PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan inspected two Integrated Waste Processing Sites (TPST) locations, namely TPST Babakan Sari and TPST PSM, Friday (25/4/2025).

This visit marked the start of the acceleration of the reconstruction of the TPST facility which is more than five years old as part of the Bandung City Government's major efforts to manage waste independently and sustainably.

At the Babakan Sari TPST, Farhan explained, there will be the addition of two main facilities, namely an incinerator with a capacity of 10 tons and a vertical biogas installation that is capable of processing organic material on a large scale.

"This vertical biogas can process up to 2,000 tons of organic materials. However, the initial operational capacity at this location is 20 tons of waste per day," said Farhan.

After reviewing Babakan Sari, Farhan continued to the PSM TPST.

These two locations are pilot projects for a new scheme for the redevelopment of TPST based on Government and Business Entity Cooperation (KPBU).

Through this model, the city government provides land and supporting policies, while the private sector invests in development and operations.

One of the KPBU partners in this project is PT Ingram which has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bandung City Government.

PT Ingram will apply thermal technology for rapid reduction of waste volume, as well as anaerobic technology to develop a circular economy through organic waste processing.

"This anaerobic technology allows wet or rotten waste to be converted into biogas, planting media, and can even be used as feed for maggots," explained Farhan.

The initial capacity of TPST will start from 20 tons per day and is targeted to be maximized in May to July 2025.

Gradually, this capacity will be increased along with the development of facilities and resources.

This TPST development project is part of the Bandung City waste management strategy, which is targeted to manage 30 percent of waste through modern TPST based on KPBU.

Meanwhile, the other 30 percent is expected to be handled through community-based waste management programs such as Kang Pisman (Reduce, Separate, Utilize) and Buruan SAE.

"The rest, around 40 percent, we can still take to the landfill, but in a much smaller volume," added Farhan.

In terms of financing, PT Ingram invested around IDR 3 billion for initial arrangements, facility construction, and workforce recruitment.

The Bandung City Government will continue to play an active role in licensing, including environmental certification matters.

"The scheme is that the government will pay according to the amount of waste processed, per ton," explained Farhan.

Currently, the Bandung City Government is planning to rebuild 15 TPSTs with a similar approach.

TPST Babakan Sari and PSM were the first to undergo the laying of the first stone as a form of seriousness towards a more modern, independent, and sustainable city waste management. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/ Rani)