Indonesian greenies urge re-think on waste-to-energy plant

The Indonesian Forum for the Environment is urging the city of Bandung to cancel plans to build a waste-to-energy power plant because of what it calls serious health and environmental hazards, according to a report in the Jakarta Globe yesterday.

“Incinerating waste is not allowed under Indonesia’s waste management regulations, which means that the WTE plant is against the law,” said Dadan Ramdan, executive director of the environmental group, also known as Walhi.

Bandung first proposed building a WTE plant in 2008 as it looked for solutions to the city’s mounting waste problems, with 1,500 to 1,700 tonnes of trash being produced per day. Officials say the plant will be built on a 20-hectare plot in East Bandung.

Dadan pointed out that the site was close to the Griya Cempaka Arum housing complex, meaning that hundreds of people could be exposed to toxic fumes produced by the plant.

“Part of the area is also designated a water catchment area and green and open space for East Bandung,” he said.

Dadan said Walhi was urging Bandung to find a more eco-friendly solution to its trash problem.