Environmental Pollution and Governance Challenges in West Sumatra and Java: Waste Management, Illegal Document Collection, and Policy Responses

Introduction

The presentation highlighted three inter‑related governance issues in Indonesia: (1) liquid waste pollution from an oil‑palm refinery in West Sumatra, (2) inadequate solid‑waste management in Padang City, and (3) illegal collection of population documents in Malang District, Java. Each case illustrates gaps between existing regulations and on‑the‑ground implementation, and proposes concrete remedial actions.

Liquid Waste Pollution from PT Berkah Sawit Sejahtera (BBS CL)

• Problem: The oil‑palm factory discharges untreated liquid waste into the environment, violating environmental standards.
• Timeline: Community complaints were recorded on 2 November 2022, prompting a government warning.
• Legal Basis: Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management mandates factories to obtain permits and meet quality standards for waste disposal.
• Government Role: Ensure compliance through monitoring, enforcement of permits, and possible sanctions for violations.

Waste Management Challenges in Padang City

• Current Situation: The city’s waste collection and disposal system suffers from insufficient facilities, lack of human resources, and low public compliance.
• Consequences: Air and soil pollution, public‑health risks, and potential disaster‑related impacts.
• Proposed Interventions:
• Waste Bank (Bank Sampah) – Community‑run centers that collect recyclable waste, generate economic value, and raise awareness.
• Organic Waste Processing – Convert household organic waste into liquid organic fertilizer, biogas, or bio‑fuel using technologies such as:
  • Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae composting
  • Bio‑conversion systems for biogas production
• Eco‑Enzyme Production – Transform fruit and vegetable waste into biodegradable cleaning agents, reducing chemical use and creating low‑cost household products.

Illegal Collection of Population Documents in Malang District

• Issue: Non‑permanent employees at the district population and civil registration office colluded with external actors to demand money for ID cards and family cards, turning a free public service into a costly, stressful process.
• Impact: Material loss for citizens, wasted time and energy, erosion of trust in public institutions.
• Legal Framework: Law No. 23/2006 (amended 2023) stipulates that issuance of population documents must be free of charge; any demand for money is punishable by criminal sanctions.
• Recommended Actions:
• Strengthen supervision and transparency of public services.
• Implement digital registration platforms to reduce human interaction points.
• Enforce strict penalties for officials who solicit illegal fees.

Policy Recommendations Across All Cases

• Enhance Enforcement: Allocate resources for regular inspections and rapid response to violations.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate communities about environmental standards and citizens’ rights to free public services.
• Capacity Building: Train local officials and waste‑management workers on best practices and new technologies.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Involve NGOs, academia, and the private sector in developing sustainable waste‑treatment solutions.

Conclusion

The three case studies reveal that Indonesia’s environmental and administrative challenges stem not only from inadequate infrastructure but also from weak enforcement and corruption. By tightening regulatory oversight, promoting innovative waste‑processing technologies, and ensuring transparent, fee‑free public services, local governments can protect public health, preserve the environment, and restore citizen confidence.

Effective enforcement of existing environmental and administrative laws, combined with community‑driven waste solutions and transparent public services, is essential to curb pollution and corruption in Indonesia.