The dean of the Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology at Unika Soegijapranata has warned that waste-to-energy plants risk creating new pollution and could delay Indonesia's net zero emissions target by 2060.
Benediktus Danang Setianto, commonly known as Benny, shared his views after a green energy discussion in Semarang, Central Java, on Sunday, 17 May 2026. He outlined two main PSEL methods: methane gas collection and incineration. The incineration approach is cheaper but produces additional air pollution.
Benny stressed that the methane method is more expensive and requires better leachate management, as waste disposal at landfills remains haphazard. He also questioned the readiness of the technology and the economic scale of such projects.
Although PSEL can reduce waste accumulation, Benny cautioned about the emissions it may generate. He noted this factor must be weighed carefully to avoid hindering the national net zero emissions goal.
