BLDF Provides Incinerator Assistance to Manage Residual Waste

In support of waste management in line with the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), Bakti Lingkungan Djarum Foundation (BLDF) has provided incinerators to handle residual waste in Jati Kulon and Kedungdowo Villages, Kudus Regency. Residual waste refers to inorganic waste that has been sorted and has no further processing value, making it non-recyclable. This incinerator assistance complements the organic and inorganic waste management initiatives that BLDF has been promoting since 2018, aimed at reducing waste accumulation at the final disposal site (TPA) in Kudus. This initiative is expected to contribute to the local government’s vision of processing 90 percent of waste by 2029.

“For nearly eight years, we’ve initiated organic waste management programs. Now, addressing residual waste in Kudus, we observe that the root of effective waste management lies with individuals—as the waste producers. No matter how advanced the tools are, without a shift in mindset and personal involvement, waste issues will never be resolved,” said BLDF Program Director Jemmy Chayadi.

Meanwhile, Kudus Regent Sam’ani Intakoris stated, “On behalf of the people of Kudus, we express our gratitude for the incinerator assistance in the two villages, Jati Kulon and Kedungdowo. This is just the beginning—more units will be installed in other locations. These waste management solutions, including the use of incinerators, are encouraging villages to manage their waste independently. We hope the incinerators will be well maintained and managed properly,” said Sam’ani.

The incinerator technology was developed to meet eight environmental quality standards, ensuring its safety for the community. It is designed to operate without fossil fuels, relying instead on the combustion of residual waste heated at high temperatures. To run continuously for 24 hours, each incinerator requires up to 6.5 tons of residual waste daily—such as packaging plastic, diapers, and others—sourced from three villages.

BLDF Deputy Program Manager Redi Joko Prasetyo, who provided a usage tutorial, said, “This incinerator is carefully designed to avoid environmental harm, as long as organic waste is not mixed during combustion. That’s why waste sorting at the household level is crucial,” said Redi.

According to the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN), as of 2024, Kudus Regency generates 159,650.27 tons of waste annually—equivalent to 4.5 percent of the national waste generation.

Following the handover of these incinerators, BLDF hopes to see increased community involvement in sorting waste at the household level, leading to a future where no waste ends up in landfills and these two villages can independently operate the incinerators.

“Humans are waste producers. If not managed wisely, it becomes a serious issue. Right now, the waste mountains at final disposal sites (TPA) are overwhelming, and only half of it is currently being managed. The rest is handled by the community, with the help of BLDF,” said Abdul Halil, Head of the Kudus Regency Housing, Settlement, and Environment Agency (PKPLH).

He added that capacity and commitment refer to the ability of 60 percent of households in the villages to sort their waste independently, supported by sufficient access to and facilities for waste processing in the village to handle daily residual waste from surrounding areas.