Smart city, AI, and waste management

This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.

Investor Daily - Smart city, AI, dan pengelolaan sampah

20 January 2025

By Tuhu Nugraha and Irwan Hermawan

Indonesia is grappling with significant waste management challenges due to the ever-increasing volume of waste. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) offer innovative solutions for developing smart and sustainable cities. This can be achieved through collaboration among the government, private sector, and the public. Such an approach could serve as an inspiring model for other countries in the global south facing similar issues.

Data from the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) of the Environment and Forestry Ministry indicates that waste in Indonesia totalled 69.2 million tonnes in 2022, with 18.2% comprising plastic. This volume continues to rise in tandem with population growth and changing consumption patterns.

One significant impact is pollution, particularly in Indonesian waters, which are a major source of microplastics in seafood. A 2024 study by Cornell University reveals that Indonesians consume the highest amount of microplastics globally, approximately 15 grams per month. This situation underscores the critical need for effective waste management to safeguard both the population and the environment.

Role of AI in waste management

AI offers various solutions to enhance waste management efficiency. For example, AI algorithms can predict waste collection patterns, optimise transport truck routes, and automatically detect and sort waste using smart sensor systems.

Additionally, processing facilities like refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plants use AI to predict the amount of RDF produced from a given volume of waste. This capability not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves energy efficiency by optimising resource use during processing.

This is particularly relevant as PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk (WIKA) has developed the Rorotan RDF Plant in North Jakarta. With a capacity of 2,500 tonnes per day, this facility is one of the largest RDF plants globally, surpassing a similar plant in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Moreover, an AI-based educational campaign can significantly reduce plastic consumption and raise public awareness. For instance, an AI chatbot could offer real-time guidance on waste management and encourage individuals through daily challenges, such as participating in a plastic-free day.

AI-based gamification can also promote behavioural change by offering incentives to individuals who successfully sort waste or reduce plastic use. Users can earn points that can be exchanged for discounts or other rewards. This approach positions AI as a comprehensive tool for developing both technical and social solutions to waste management.

Strategic intervention for a sustainable solution

The success of AI-based waste management requires strategic intervention. The government must establish regulations that provide legal certainty for businesses in the technology-based waste management sector. Additionally, supporting business sustainability through fiscal incentives and subsidies is essential.

A public-private partnership (PPP) can help reduce investment risks, accelerate the implementation of modern technologies, and ensure operational sustainability. By combining the resources and expertise of both the public and private sectors, PPPs can develop innovative and sustainable solutions for efficient waste management.

Ideally, technologies like AI can significantly enhance efficiency and innovation. A practical example of such collaboration is Adhikarya's role as the waste management operator for Nusantara Capital City (IKN) and Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) 2.

Although AI has not yet been fully optimised in waste management, there is significant potential for its integration. Indonesia can learn from countries like Sweden, which have successfully incorporated smart technologies into waste management by tailoring them to local needs and challenges. This approach can accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions that are more relevant to Indonesia’s conditions.

Towards a sustainable future

By integrating AI into waste management, Indonesia can foster a cleaner environment and enhance its global competitiveness. Additionally, this approach can serve as an inspiration for countries in the global south and open up international market opportunities. As an official member of BRICS, Indonesia is well-positioned to share and market this innovative solution to other member countries.

Smart waste management should be a priority in smart city development. Technologies like AI can enhance efficiency throughout the entire process chain, from predicting waste volumes and optimising collection logistics to processing waste. Additionally, integrating AI-based education can promote environmentally friendly behaviour among the public.

To support this development, businesses, the government, and investors can collaborate in funding and implementing innovative solutions. Investment in smart waste management technologies, including AI-based infrastructure, not only supports a cleaner environment but also creates new economic opportunities. Through this collaboration, Indonesia can accelerate its transformation towards smart, sustainable, and competitive cities.

With bold initiatives and strategic collaborations, Indonesia has the potential to spearhead global waste management transformation, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

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