JAKARTA | INDATANEWS.COM – The Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Danantara in Jakarta on Monday, May 11, 2026, to accelerate the Waste-to-Energy (PSEL) project aimed at converting municipal waste into electricity.
The agreement marks a strategic move to address the growing waste management challenges in North Sumatra, particularly in the Medan Raya metropolitan area, which includes Medan City and Deli Serdang Regency.
Strategic Push for Waste Crisis Solution
Read Also: Bobby Nasution Promotes Kite Festival as Tourism Strategy Bobby Nasution emphasized that the construction of PSEL facilities will play a crucial role in improving environmental quality while turning waste into a valuable energy resource.
"Our hope is clear: first, to make our region free from waste. Second, to ensure that waste can bring benefits to the community," Bobby said at the Coordinating Ministry for Food office on Imam Bonjol Street, Jakarta.
He added that the initiative reflects a long-term solution to environmental challenges through the use of modern waste-to-energy technology.
BUILDING A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT: Bobby Nasution emphasizes that the PSEL project in North Sumatra aims to create a cleaner environment while turning waste into a valuable energy source for the public. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Information Office)
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Bobby also highlighted strong support from the Indonesian central government, which continues to prioritize the acceleration of PSEL projects across multiple regions.
Waste management has become one of the key national priorities under the President of the Republic of Indonesia, implemented through cross-sector collaboration between central and regional governments.
Read Also: Bobby Nasution Pushes BPJS Health Service Reform in North Sumatra "This is one of the directives consistently emphasized by the President to regional leaders. However, it is not only a directive but also a concrete solution through collaboration like today's signing," he said.
TARGET 25 PSEL PACILITIES: Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan explains the target of establishing 25 PSEL sites across 62 regions by 2028. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Information Office)
25 PSEL Facilities Targeted by 2028
Read Also: Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency and North Sumatra Province Discuss Transfer Fund Synchronization Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, stated that the PSEL program is targeted for completion by May 2028, with 25 facilities planned across 62 cities and regencies experiencing critical waste conditions.
"In the next three years, we must complete 25 locations covering 62 regions. These areas produce more than 1,000 tons of waste daily, which continues to accumulate," he explained.
He added that the program is based on Presidential Regulation No. 109 of 2025, which governs urban waste processing through energy conversion technology. The initiative aims to transform waste into electricity, supporting national energy supply while reducing environmental pollution.
Strong Support from Local Governments
Read Also: Deli Serdang Strengthens Role in North Sumatra Regional Development Plan 2027 The signing ceremony was also attended by Medan Mayor Rico Waas and Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan. Their presence reflects strong local government support for the accelerated implementation of the PSEL program in North Sumatra.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala