The Jakarta Environmental Agency emphasizes that it fully understands the aspirations and concerns of the community regarding the plan to operate the Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Plant in Rorotan.

Hence, from the very beginning, the development of this facility was designed with environmental and health considerations for the residents, thus its presence truly becomes a solution, not an additional problem.

Jakarta Environmental Agency Head, Asep Kuswanto said the Rorotan RDF Plant construction is not just an infrastructure project, but also to address the urgent waste problem in the capital.

"We're fully aware of the residents' concerns. Hence, at every stage, we implement high safety standards and maintain open communication channels, thus the benefits of this facility can be shared by all, while the potential negative impacts can be minimized as much as possible," he expressed, Monday (9/22).

He went on to say that Jakarta is currently facing a major challenge in waste management. The only Final Disposal Site (TPA) in Bantar Gebang has reached 59 meters in high and is approaching over-topping conditions.

"If floods can recede within one or two hours, it is different with trash. If a landfill over-tops, the trash doesn't disappear; instead, it continues to pile up day after day. This situation has occurred in several areas, even causing landslides," he continued.

He explained that the Jakarta Government has implemented various strategies to prevent such situations, including waste reduction at the source through waste bank programs and maggot cultivation, the construction of the Merah Putih Waste-to-Energy Plant, the development of RDF at Bantar Gebang, and the building of an RDF Plant in Rorotan.

"All these efforts are efforts to slow down the accumulation of waste so that a crisis does not occur at the landfill," he added.

Then the Rorotan RDF Plant is ready to operate this year with several important improvements. It is designed with a layered system to maintain air quality, from dust and exhaust gas control to odor neutralization.

"This technology has been proven effective when used in various similar facilities. Therefore, the community around the location does not need to worry about potential negative impacts that may arise," he added.

He emphasized that the government's commitment is to always maintain a balance between infrastructure development and residents' comfort. City policies should not diminish the quality of life of the community, including in the operation of Rorotan RDF. In fact, this facility is present to improve Jakarta's waste situation while ensuring environmental health is maintained.

"With the involvement of the community and various parties, the Rorotan RDF Plant can become an important milestone in more sustainable waste management in Jakarta. We want residents to feel at ease and worry-free. This is a shared solution whose benefits will be felt by millions of people," he closed.