BALINEWSID.COM, MAKASSAR – The proposed Waste-to-Energy Power Plant (PLTSa) project in Tamalanrea, Makassar, has been temporarily suspended after the South Sulawesi Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) Commission B instructed the developer to stop all activities. The decision came amid strong public opposition based on environmental studies, raising broader discussions about waste management technology, including Bali’s efforts to address its growing waste crisis through PLTSa technology.

The suspension was decided during a Public Hearing Meeting (RDP) held by Commission B of the South Sulawesi DPRD on Thursday (June 25, 2026). The meeting, chaired by Commission B Chairperson A. Azizah Irma Wahyudiyati, brought together affected residents, environmental experts, government agencies, and representatives of the project developer PT Sarana Utama Sinergi (PT SUS).

Residents affected by the project, represented by the Aliansi Gerakan Rakyat Menolak (GERAM), firmly rejected the construction of an incinerator-based PLTSa facility in the Tamalanrea residential area.

“There is nothing left to negotiate. We completely reject the construction of the PLTSa in Tamalanrea,” said Ali Akbar, a representative of residents from the affected area.

Responding to the residents’ stance, Commission B Chairperson Irma requested PT SUS to temporarily suspend the project, citing concerns over the project’s location in a densely populated urban area.

“Since the residents have stated that there is no compromise, we ask PT SUS to temporarily hold the construction activities,” Irma said during the hearing.

The opposition was strengthened by scientific findings presented by environmental expert Prof. Anwar Daud from Hasanuddin University. He stated that the project raised serious concerns regarding environmental management, spatial planning, and public health risks.

The PLTSa project, designed to process around 1,300 tons of waste per day, was criticized because of its planned location near residential areas. Prof. Anwar warned that incinerator technology could potentially produce hazardous substances such as dioxins if emission control systems and monitoring procedures were not properly implemented.

He also questioned the environmental impact assessment (AMDAL) process, arguing that several environmental risks had not been fully examined, including the measurement of toxic emissions and the impact of transporting large volumes of waste through the area.

“The project cannot simply be forced to proceed when affected communities reject it, even if there is support from the central government,” Prof. Anwar said.

The academic also highlighted the potential increase in traffic congestion due to the movement of hundreds of waste trucks transporting 1,300 tons of waste daily through Tamalanrea. He argued that the environmental assessment should also consider particulate pollution risks from waste transportation activities.

Meanwhile, Bali has taken a different approach in dealing with its waste challenges. As one of Indonesia’s leading tourism destinations, Bali faces increasing pressure from rising waste volumes generated by residents and visitors. The island has explored waste-to-energy technology, including the use of PLTSa machinery, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on landfills and transform waste into renewable energy.

However, the Tamalanrea controversy highlights the importance of ensuring that waste-to-energy projects are supported by comprehensive environmental studies, transparent licensing processes, proper site selection, and community involvement.

Commission B of the South Sulawesi DPRD also demanded full transparency from PT SUS by requesting public access to the project’s AMDAL documents and feasibility study. The council criticized the absence of key decision-makers from PT SUS during the hearing and called for greater accountability from the company.

The DPRD Sulsel further pledged to bring residents’ concerns to the central government, as the main authority over the project lies at the national level.

“We will continue to oversee this public demand and bring it to the central government to ensure that no party is harmed, especially the community,” Irma stated.

The Tamalanrea PLTSa case has become a reminder that waste-to-energy solutions require more than technological investment. Environmental protection, scientific evaluation, and public acceptance remain essential factors in developing sustainable waste management systems across Indonesia, including Bali.