Surabaya, ITS Campus – The concept of converting waste into an alternative energy source offers a viable solution to Indonesia’s waste management challenges. In response, the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) has strengthened its role as an active strategic partner in the Taiwan-Indonesia Science Technology Innovation Centre (TI-STIC) consortium. The consortium meeting took place at the ITS Research Center Auditorium on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
To advance Waste-to-Energy innovation within this consortium, ITS is collaborating with the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) and Widya Mandala Catholic University of Surabaya (UKWMS). This forum serves as a strategic meeting point for academics, government agencies, and industry stakeholders involved in waste management in Indonesia.
Professor Agus Muhamad Hatta, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector IV for Research, Innovation, Partnerships, and Alumni at ITS, stated that developing technology to convert waste into energy is a concrete solution to the increasingly severe waste problem. In the context of urbanization and population growth, waste should no longer be viewed as a burden. “Waste actually holds resource potential that supports the transition toward a clean and valuable energy system,” he explained.
ITS, known as the “Campus of Heroes,” has developed innovations that support the conversion of waste into energy. One example is the Benowo Waste-to-Energy Power Plant (PSEL), which has been officially operational since 2021. Additionally, Professor Dr. Hendro Juwono, M.Si., has pioneered innovations in plastic degradation using biomass to produce biofuel.
Initiatives under the TI-STIC umbrella also open opportunities for integration with strategic investments, thereby supporting a green technology ecosystem that can be developed and implemented. This transition is expected to reduce reliance on landfills, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen national energy security in line with the agenda for transitioning to a cleaner energy system.
In addition, Dr. En-Cheng Yang, Executive Director of the Science and Technology Division at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia, emphasized that this established cooperation goes beyond simply sharing challenges. He noted that through this forum, each partner can jointly create solutions by synergizing the potential of both countries.
As highlighted in the forum, waste management and energy needs are closely interrelated challenges. As a country that has long been at the forefront of technological development in Asia, Taiwan has accumulated extensive experience in developing technology-driven waste management systems. “Looking ahead, we hope to see integrated technological development, policy design, and young talent emerge to address unresolved issues,” said Dr. Yang.
This forum represents a concrete step taken by ITS, together with its partner universities, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Additionally, this forum also contributes to Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (ITS Public Relations)
Reporter: Syifa Rahmadina