In efforts to decarbonize the energy sector and transition to renewable energy, Indonesia has prioritized the development of refuse-derived fuels (RDF) technology. RDF offers a dual solution for waste management and alternative decarbonization of energy sources for electricity generation and industries by utilizing domestic waste that can be burned to produce heat or converted into electricity. Currently, the main off-takers of energy produced from RDF plants are PLTU Lontar in Banten Province and PT Indocement and Solusi Bangun Indonesia in Narogong, West Java. To expand the application of RDF on a larger scale in Indonesia, adjustments in field implementation are still required, including stakeholder and off-taker identification and collaboration, the development of sustainable RDF business schemes, and technology updates for optimal emission reduction and energy production.

On the other hand, Australia, through the International Climate Change Engagement Program organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), aims to accelerate efforts by neighboring countries to reduce emissions and address the climate crisis, including Indonesia. This program and collaboration present a significant opportunity to facilitate knowledge and information exchange between Australia and Indonesia regarding emission reduction technologies in the energy sector, with RDF technology being a focal point. The hope is that the information exchange through this program will accelerate the development of RDF technology as a specific decarbonization strategy in Indonesia, involving various aspects, such as mapping relevant stakeholders from the private sector, non-profit organizations, research institutions, academia, government institutions, financial institutions, and community organizations at the grassroots level. The program also aims to enhance collaboration among these stakeholders and improve their understanding of waste-to-energy technologies, encompassing technical knowledge, as well as social, environmental, and economic impact analyses of implementing such technologies, including available business models and funding options.

Under the funding framework provided by DFAT Australia, the Resilience Development Initiative (RDI) in collaboration with the University of Queensland (UQ), with support from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (KESDM) Indonesia and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), will carry out a series of collaborative activities over a four-year period. These activities include workshops, capacity building, training, focus group discussions (FGDs), and study tours involving key stakeholders in the waste and energy sectors. The targeted stakeholders include those from the private sector, non-profit organizations, research institutions, academia, government institutions, financial institutions, and community organizations at the grassroots level. The activities will be facilitated by experts from the University of Queensland (UQ) and BRIN Indonesia under the guidance of the Resilience Development Initiative (RDI).