The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) emphasizes the importance of adopting adaptive technologies to reduce fire risks at landfills (TPA). Principal Researcher at BRIN's Research Center for Environmental Technology and Clean Technology, Wahyu Purwanta, asserted that there is no single technological solution that can be universally applied to all regions.
Technology selection, according to Wahyu, must consider various crucial aspects ranging from waste characteristics, generation scale, geographical conditions, to infrastructure readiness and funding sustainability. He reminded that successful waste management is not just a matter of acquiring equipment, but how the technology is adapted to operational quality, human resource competence, and market certainty for the resulting product residues.
To mitigate fire risks, BRIN recommends strict waste segregation. Organic waste can be processed through composting systems or biodigesters, while economically valuable materials are directed to recycling chains. Meanwhile, waste fractions with high calorific value can be converted into Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) or utilized through environmentally friendly thermal technologies.
In addition to processing innovations, Wahyu highlighted the importance of technology-based early prevention systems at landfill sites. The use of gas sensors, temperature monitoring via thermal cameras and drones, and the integration of weather data are vital instruments for detecting potential hazards early. This must be accompanied by disciplined operational practices, such as limiting active working areas and regularly covering waste.
Furthermore, BRIN encourages local governments to formulate a more comprehensive waste management roadmap. The main focus is to minimize the volume of mixed waste sent to landfills by strengthening source-sorting systems. Consequently, final disposal facilities will ultimately function only as managed processing sites for residue, controlled and with minimal fire risk.
