Have you ever thought about “transforming” waste? It turns out that some types of waste can change form and function. This transformation certainly has to go through a process that ends up as RDF (Refuse-derived Fuel), which is an alternative fuel. On May 13 2024, the groundbreaking for the construction of the Jakarta RDF Plant in Rorotan, North Jakarta was laid. That’s where the RDF process takes place. Are you curious about it? Let’s discuss it together!

RDF Plant Jakarta. Source: Jakarta Provincial Department of Communications, Informatics, and Statistics

Understanding RDF (Refuse-derived Fuel)

RDF (Refuse-derived Fuel) is the result of an alternative fuel derived from waste. When translated into Indonesian, Refuse-derived Fuel also means “bahan bakar yang berasal dari sampah”. The types of waste  involved are typically inorganic or difficult to decompose, such as:

• plastic;
• paper;
• fabric;
• rubber; and
• leather.

The first stone (groundbreaking) of the Jakarta RDF Plant in Rorotan, North Jakarta, on 13 May 2024. Source: Jakarta Provincial Department of Communications, Informatics, and Statistics.

The fuel value of RDF is equivalent to that of young coal. This fuel can be used by various industries. To achieve the final result, RDF needs to undergo processes such as:

1. screening;
2. separation;
3. shredding; and 
4. drying.

RDF Process in Jakarta

Jakarta will always prioritise effective waste management. That’s why the Jakarta Provincial Government is building an RDF Plant. This waste processing facility is located in Rorotan, North Jakarta.

RDF Plant Jakarta  has a waste processing capacity of 2,500 tons per day. Eventually, there will be 875 tons of alternative fuel produced every day.

RDF Plant Jakarta in Rorotan, Jakarta Utara. Source: Pemprov DKI Jakarta

Is RDF Plant Jakarta only capable of processing waste? Apparently not. RDF Plant Jakarta will have facilities that will start operating in 2025. Therefore, the facility will be equipped with amenities such as:

• wastewater management facilities;
• emission controls; and
• buffer zones

RDF Supports Smart Environment in Jakarta

What else can RDF be used for? The Jakarta Provincial Government also sells RDF to cement factories in Indonesia, using it in their production processes. So, through this facility, the government can also receive additional income. This supports future environmental conservation efforts.

The RDF process is one manifestation of implementing Smart Environment, a pillar of the smart city concept in Jakarta. With Smart Environment, the environment in Jakarta can be managed responsibly to ensure its sustainability.
As residents of a smart city, we must always remember the importance of implementing Smart Environment. Let’s continue to support it! Curious about other Smart Environment innovations in Jakarta? Follow @jsclab  on social media!