The Nexus3 Foundation has sounded a cautionary alarm regarding the Indonesian government’s ambitious plan to convert waste into fuel. The non-governmental organization asserts that before proceeding, the government must conduct rigorous feasibility studies, as the pyrolysis technology involved threatens to release hazardous chemicals that could endanger both the environment and public health.
Yuyun Ismawati, a Senior Advisor at the Nexus3 Foundation, highlighted that the pyrolysis process is essentially an industrial way to process plastic waste. Because plastics are derived from fossil fuels like oil and gas, they are laden with a complex cocktail of chemical additives.
“These plastics contain a variety of additives such as PFAS, phthalates, BPA, BPS, and flame retardants,” Yuyun explained during the ‘Delusion of Converting Waste to Electrical Energy’ press conference on Thursday (May 21). “When these materials are subjected to high temperatures during the pyrolysis process, these chemicals inevitably vaporize.”
The health risks associated with these substances are significant. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are known to disrupt metabolism, immune function, liver health, and thyroid regulation. Meanwhile, phthalates are recognized as reproductive toxins that can suppress testosterone and estrogen levels while interfering with thyroid hormone functions.
Yuyun warned that these health impacts pose a direct threat to both facility workers and nearby residents. Furthermore, she pointed out a critical regulatory gap: Indonesia currently lacks established quality standards for monitoring emissions and vapors produced by pyrolysis. Additionally, she questioned the overall efficacy of the resulting fuel, noting that the presence of these chemical additives may compromise its viability as a reliable energy source.
Ultimately, Nexus3 advocates for comprehensive feasibility studies and a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) before the program moves forward.
The government’s strategy to convert waste into fuel is part of a broader mandate outlined in Presidential Regulation Number 109 of 2025, which focuses on transforming urban waste into renewable energy. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) stated that the initiative aims to utilize long-accumulated waste currently sitting in final disposal sites (TPA). Pilot projects are planned for six locations, including Bandung, Bali, and the Bantargebang landfill.
“We are pushing to transform the waste piles at our TPA sites into renewable fuel using pyrolysis technology,” Zulhas noted during a press conference on Tuesday (May 19). The pyrolysis method involves heating plastic waste in an oxygen-free environment at temperatures between 800°C and 1,000°C to generate liquid fuel.
Zulhas noted that existing Waste-to-Energy (PSEL) projects have only managed to process 22.5 percent of Indonesia’s waste, and the fuel conversion initiative is intended to address the remaining backlog. The project involves a multi-agency approach: the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) are leading the technological development. The Ministry of Environment will oversee land suitability, the Ministry of Home Affairs will coordinate with local governments, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources will manage sector-specific licensing.
The Danantara Investment Management Agency has also been brought on board to verify the economic feasibility of the project. Additionally, Zulhas confirmed that the Indonesian Army (TNI) and state-owned defense company PT Pindad will participate in the implementation. Responding to the involvement of the military, Zulhas remarked, “Why is the TNI involved? Because waste is a collective responsibility for all of us.”
Summary
The Indonesian government plans to convert urban waste into fuel using pyrolysis technology, a process designed to address the significant backlog of waste in landfills. Supported by multiple ministries and agencies, the initiative aims to pilot this technology in locations like Bandung and Bali to generate renewable energy. However, the plan faces scrutiny regarding its long-term viability and potential environmental impact.
The Nexus3 Foundation has raised serious concerns, warning that pyrolysis can release hazardous chemicals—such as PFAS and phthalates—present in plastic additives. These substances pose severe risks to public health and the environment, yet Indonesia currently lacks robust regulatory standards to monitor such emissions. Consequently, experts are calling for comprehensive feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments before the project proceeds further.
