The Opportunity of Indonesia to Accelerate the Utilization of Fly Ash and Bottom Ash Coal Waste Through International Cooperation

Abstract

— The Indonesian Government's decision to remove Fly Ash and Bottom Ash (FABA) coal waste from the hazardous and toxic materials (B3) list has generated pros and cons in various circles. The waste that comes from burning coal is known to have harmful side effects for health and damage to the environment and the living biota in it. However, according to the test results of the Indonesian Ministry of Environment, FABA waste does not meet the characteristics of B3, and it has high economic benefits in several countries that have succeeded in managing this type of waste, such as China, Japan, the United States and others. If the Government can create good regulations, this waste will be a vast potential, both environmentally and economically. Learning from European countries that have succeeded in managing this waste by forming a particular association that deals with coal waste, Indonesia needs to apply international standards so that this potential does not impact environmental health through related international cooperation. Using the literature study method, this research will be qualitative, and environmental theory and international cooperation will describe and analyze Indonesia's opportunities in accelerating the use of FABA-type coal waste through international cooperation. The target achievement of this research is a policy recommendation for the Government on issues related to the handling of coal waste types of FABA.