At Senang Eco, confronting Bali’s waste crisis every day revealed a pressing truth: mismanaged waste is not only an environmental burden but a significant economic drain. This insight led us to dive deep into research that uncovers the hidden wealth embedded within Indonesia’s vast waste streams.

Our data-driven study highlights a startling reality. Indonesia disposes of 94.5% of its waste in landfills, with just 1.39% receiving further processing. This ineffective waste management system results in an annual loss of approximately IDR 93 trillion, or 6 billion USD. Yet, the potential is immense: with a robust recycling and waste management infrastructure, Indonesia could unlock economic value up to IDR 131.65 trillion—around 8.5 billion USD each year.

This research goes beyond numbers. It is a call to action for government leaders and policymakers to prioritize sustainable waste solutions. Our findings support the #TimIndonesia campaign, urging political candidates to address waste management as a key pillar for environmental protection and economic growth.

By turning waste into opportunity, this project demonstrates how informed data, innovative thinking, and policy commitment can transform a critical challenge into a driver for Indonesia’s sustainable future.