Banjarmasin, Banjar and Batola sign agreement to convert waste into energy

Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The governments of Banjarmasin City, Banjar District, and Barito Kuala (Batola) District signed a cooperation agreement (PKS) for the construction of environmentally friendly waste to energy (PSEL) plant.

Banjarmasin Mayor H Muhammad Yamin, Banjar Regent H Saidi Mansyur and Batola Regent H Bahrul Ilmi signed the agreement at the KH Idham Chalid Building, South Kalimantan Provincial Government complex in Banjarbaru, Thursday (April 9, 2026).

The signing was witnessed by Acting Deputy for Waste and Hazardous and Toxic Management of the Ministry of Environment (KLH), Hanifah Dwi Nirwana, and Assistant for General Administration of the South Kalimantan Government.

Mayor H Muhammad Yamin emphasized that this agreement is a concrete step in addressing the ongoing waste crisis.

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“Today, we sign a joint agreement. This is not just an MoU, but a concrete commitment to converting waste into energy. But I emphasize that residents must also sorting (waste) at home, because that's the key,” he said.

He explained that the PSEL project targets a processing capacity of up to 500 tons of waste per day. With supply support from Banjar and Barito Kuala, the total waste potential could reach 600 tons per day.

This presents a significant opportunity to generate renewable energy while simultaneously reducing the burden on landfill (TPA).

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According to him, approximately 5–6 hectares land are available in the Basirih landfill for this project. With modern processing infrastructure supported by the ministry, it open up new hope for future municipal waste management in Banjarmasin, Banjar and Batola.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment's acting Deputy for Waste and Hazardous and Toxic Materials Management Hanifah Dwi Nirwana reminded that Banjarmasin still need to complete a number of important tasks before being released from environmental management sanctions.

She added that the central government continues to monitor developments through various instruments, including visual monitoring and field evaluations.

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"This means that PSEL project is not only about physical construction, but also about compliance with strict environmental standards," she explained.

With this situation, the direction of waste management policy in Greater Banjarmasin is now aligned. Opportunies for technology and cross-regional support are wide open, however success depends heavily on the government consistency and community participation.

If both work hand in hand, not only will the waste problem be resolved, but also a new sustainable energy resource will be created for the region.