This article was compiled using aliterature reviewof online media reports, government data, and official agency statements published up to October 5, 2026.
Waste remains a persistent environmental issue in daily life, including in South Sumatra Province. Improperly managed waste is frequently found in streets, gutters, rivers, and public spaces. This condition not only compromises environmental cleanliness and comfort but also poses potential health risks to the community.
The waste problem cannot be viewed solely as a result of low public awareness regarding proper disposal. The availability of waste management facilities plays a critical role. When trash bins are scarce, temporary collection sites are limited, or collection processes are suboptimal, the public faces significant challenges in managing waste effectively.
Therefore, the waste issue in South Sumatra must be understood from two perspectives: public behavior and the support of waste management facilities. This article is written from the viewpoint of an Environmental Health student at the Faculty of Public Health, Sriwijaya University.
Waste issues should not be viewed merely as a matter of cleanliness that can be solved simply by urging people to dispose of trash in designated places. In my view, a clean and healthy environment is difficult to achieve if littering persists, waste management facilities remain inadequate, and public education is not conducted consistently.
Thus, waste is not just an issue of individual behavior. It is also closely linked to the systems and facilities available to support the public in reducing, sorting, transporting, and processing waste correctly.
Waste Generation Remains a Challenge
High volumes of waste generation remain a challenge in maintaining environmental cleanliness and health in South Sumatra, particularly in Palembang City.
Data from the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) of the Ministry of Environment for the year 2026 shows that the recorded waste generation in Palembang City reached approximately 1,261 tons per day. Of that amount, approximately 21.18 percent is recorded as managed, while approximately 78.82 percent remains unmanaged.
These figures indicate that the waste problem is no longer just about environmental cleanliness but has become an issue requiring serious attention and comprehensive handling.
The public needs to start changing their perspective on waste. Waste should not be seen merely as something to be discarded, but should be reduced at the source, sorted by type, and reused if it still holds utility.
Limited Waste Collection Fleet
In addition to public behavior, limited facilities also pose a challenge to waste management in Palembang City.
In January 2026, the Palembang City Environment Agency (DLH) stated that the number of operational waste collection vehicles was still around 146 units, while the ideal requirement is estimated to reach 210 units.
The gap between the available fleet and the ideal requirement can affect the waste collection process. If waste cannot be collected routinely and on time, accumulation is likely to occur at temporary collection sites and in residential areas.
This condition can also impact public activity. Piles of waste can cause unpleasant odors, disrupt comfort, obstruct water channels, and potentially become breeding grounds for disease vectors.
Waste Management Through PSEL
The government continues to pursue waste management efforts, one of which is through the Waste-to-Energy Power Plant (PSEL) facility.
In September 2026, as many as 141 vehicles were deployed to collect waste from more than 400 temporary collection sites (TPS). Approximately 960 to 1,000 tons of waste per day are planned to be directed to the PSEL facility for processing.
The existence of this facility is an important step in reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. However, in my opinion, the existence of processing facilities must be supported by an adequate transportation system.
If the number of vehicles is not proportional to the volume of waste generated daily, waste will still potentially accumulate before reaching the processing facility.
Sanctions Must Be Accompanied by Education
In addition to improving facilities, rule enforcement is also necessary to increase public compliance with waste management.
The Palembang City Government began enforcing sanctions against individuals who litter starting in May 15, 2026. These sanctions can include a maximum fine of Rp500,000 as well as social sanctions.
The implementation of these rules is expected to provide a deterrent effect. However, the enforcement of sanctions should go hand-in-hand with increased education and the provision of facilities.
The public will find it easier to comply with rules if disposal sites are adequately available, collection schedules run well, and information regarding waste management procedures is easily understood.
A 2026 study on waste management at the Sukawinatan Landfill in Palembang City also showed that waste management still faces several issues, including limited infrastructure, weak regulatory enforcement, and low public participation.
These findings demonstrate that successful waste management requires cooperation between the public and the government.
Management Must Start at Home
Given these conditions, one solution that needs to be strengthened is waste management at the source, especially from households.
The public can start getting into the habit of reducing the use of single-use items, sorting waste by type, reusing items that are still functional, and processing organic waste if possible.
This step is important considering that a large portion of waste in Palembang City is still recorded as not being managed optimally.
On the other hand, the government needs to improve supporting facilities, ranging from trash bins and temporary collection sites to transport fleets and final processing facilities. The fact that the number of vehicles is still below the ideal requirement shows that infrastructure remains a crucial part of solving the waste problem.
In my opinion, several efforts that can be made include normalizing waste sorting at home, strengthening waste banks, increasing environmental education, and encouraging the processing of waste into products with utility or economic value.
With these steps, the volume of waste can be reduced at the source so that waste management does not rely solely on transportation and final disposal processes.
Ultimately, the waste problem requires the involvement of all parties. The public needs to have awareness and good habits in managing waste, while the government needs to provide adequate facilities, transportation systems, processing, education, and rule enforcement. Collaboration between responsible public behavior and supportive facilities is one of the keys to creating a cleaner and healthier environment.
References
National Waste Management Information System. (n.d.). National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN). Ministry of Environment. https://sampahnasional.kemenlh.go.id/
Irawan, M. H. P. (2026, April 10). Palembang City Government's Strategy to Reduce Waste Production Reaching 1,000 Tons per Day. DetikSumbagsel. https://www.detik.com/sumbagsel/berita/d-8437456/jurus-pemkot-palembang
Rosana, D. (2026, October 5). Palembang Mayor inspects first waste shipment to PSEL. ANTARA News Sumsel. https://sumsel.antaranews.com/berita/823632/fasilitas-psel-palembang-mulai-beroperasi-olah-960-ton-sampah-per-hari
Pratama, S. (2026, January 25). Waste continues to increase, Palembang still lacks transport truck fleet. PALTV. https://paltv.disway.id/metropolis/read/46157/sampah-terus-bertambah-palembang-masih-kekurangan-armada-truk-pengangkut
Ardiansyah, A. (2026, September 3). Deploying 141 Waste Collection Vehicles to PSEL. Radar Palembang. https://radarpalembang.bacakoran.co/read/26127/siagakan-141-armada-pengangkut-sampah-ke-psel
Sabarudin, A. (2026, October 5). Palembang City implements littering fines starting 15 May 2026. ANTARA News Sumsel. https://sumsel.antaranews.com/berita/816969/pemkot-palembang
Lestari, R. A., Salsabila, N., Sinaga, C. A. P., Noveliya, M., Pangaribuan, C. R., & Junaidi, J. (2026). Analysis of alternative waste management policies at the Sukawinatan Landfill, Palembang City. Governance: Scientific Journal of Local Politics and Development Studies, 13(1), 184–192. https://doi.org/10.56015/gjikplp.v13i1,690
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