I really appreciate how clearly you unpacked the contradictions behind Danantara’s waste-to-energy plan. Your framing of it as “a gym membership that forces you to gain weight” perfectly captures how flawed the incentive structure is.
I have been following waste issues quite closely here in Palu, Central Sulawesi, where our landfill (TPA Kawatuna) also struggles with methane emissions and limited space. At the same time, there are interesting local entry points for circular approaches that connect organic waste diversion, composting, and even local eel (sidat) aquaculture systems that reuse worms (cacing) and compost as part of a small-scale circular model. I recently wrote an essay on this topic for a local anthology project titled “Palu yang Anu: Denyut Kota di Esai Warga,” where I explored how circular waste management could become part of Palu’s identity as a resilient city.
Recently, during a visit to Situs Gunung Padang in West Java, a world-renowned archaeological site, I was surprised to see how little attention is paid to waste management despite years of tourism exposure. A conversation with one of the local pokdarwis members unexpectedly led to an idea for a “Zero Waste Gunung Padang” initiative. It made me think deeply about how waste governance, fairness, and sustainability could be reimagined through local, community-driven experiments.
I truly believe these kinds of initiatives could evolve into meaningful social-impact collaborations that are grounded in local practice but open to broader policy reflection. I would love to exchange ideas with you or explore how proof-of-concept projects like this could complement your critique of the national WtE direction.
A pleasure to meet you here and thank you for finding the essay insightful.
What you have experienced in Palu is exactly how I see waste management, at least organic waste, should be in Indonesia. Rich in indigenous wisdom and true to the cycle of the nature. I have also witnessed how community driven waste management can create the strongest and most resillient impact in Bandung.
There are so many existing indigenous practices I believe can be institutionalized. What really matters right now is to shift the political will from false shortcuts to good practices led by communities themselves.
Would love to connect with you and have an extended conversation on this matter. I'll reach you out through inbox.
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful response. I really appreciate how you connect community-led waste practices with indigenous wisdom. That is exactly what I have been exploring, especially how local knowledge and collective care around waste can grow stronger and connect to other community livelihoods.
I look forward to continuing this conversation and exploring potential ideas together
Hi Donny,
I really appreciate how clearly you unpacked the contradictions behind Danantara’s waste-to-energy plan. Your framing of it as “a gym membership that forces you to gain weight” perfectly captures how flawed the incentive structure is.
I have been following waste issues quite closely here in Palu, Central Sulawesi, where our landfill (TPA Kawatuna) also struggles with methane emissions and limited space. At the same time, there are interesting local entry points for circular approaches that connect organic waste diversion, composting, and even local eel (sidat) aquaculture systems that reuse worms (cacing) and compost as part of a small-scale circular model. I recently wrote an essay on this topic for a local anthology project titled “Palu yang Anu: Denyut Kota di Esai Warga,” where I explored how circular waste management could become part of Palu’s identity as a resilient city.
Recently, during a visit to Situs Gunung Padang in West Java, a world-renowned archaeological site, I was surprised to see how little attention is paid to waste management despite years of tourism exposure. A conversation with one of the local pokdarwis members unexpectedly led to an idea for a “Zero Waste Gunung Padang” initiative. It made me think deeply about how waste governance, fairness, and sustainability could be reimagined through local, community-driven experiments.
I truly believe these kinds of initiatives could evolve into meaningful social-impact collaborations that are grounded in local practice but open to broader policy reflection. I would love to exchange ideas with you or explore how proof-of-concept projects like this could complement your critique of the national WtE direction.
Warm regards, HM
Hi Mas Haris,
A pleasure to meet you here and thank you for finding the essay insightful.
What you have experienced in Palu is exactly how I see waste management, at least organic waste, should be in Indonesia. Rich in indigenous wisdom and true to the cycle of the nature. I have also witnessed how community driven waste management can create the strongest and most resillient impact in Bandung.
There are so many existing indigenous practices I believe can be institutionalized. What really matters right now is to shift the political will from false shortcuts to good practices led by communities themselves.
Would love to connect with you and have an extended conversation on this matter. I'll reach you out through inbox.
Cheers,
Donny
Hi Mas Donny,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful response. I really appreciate how you connect community-led waste practices with indigenous wisdom. That is exactly what I have been exploring, especially how local knowledge and collective care around waste can grow stronger and connect to other community livelihoods.
I look forward to continuing this conversation and exploring potential ideas together
A very well put writing. Thank you.