No, burning trash in Indonesia is illegal under multiple environmental laws, with exceptions only for agricultural waste in rural areas under strict conditions. Violations risk fines up to IDR 5 billion (≈USD 320,000) or imprisonment under Law No. 18/2008 on Waste Management, enforced by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). Local governments, including DKI Jakarta’s Environmental Agency, impose additional penalties, while 2026 revisions to Government Regulation No. 22/2021 may further restrict open burning nationwide.
Key Regulations for Burning Trash in Indonesia
- Law No. 18/2008 on Waste Management: Prohibits open burning except for controlled agricultural waste incineration in designated rural zones, requiring prior approval from local agricultural or environmental authorities.
- Government Regulation No. 22/2021 (amended 2026): Mandates zero-tolerance for residential/commercial waste burning, with KLHK empowered to conduct unannounced inspections and impose administrative sanctions.
- Local Bylaws (e.g., DKI Jakarta Perda No. 3/2023): Criminalizes burning in urban areas, imposing fines of IDR 50–500 million (≈USD 3,200–32,000) and mandatory waste-to-energy facility compliance for businesses.
Enforcement varies by region, but KLHK’s 2024–2025 crackdown on haze-linked burning in Sumatra and Kalimantan signals stricter adherence. Non-compliance triggers escalated penalties, including corporate liability for businesses under Environmental Protection and Management Law No. 32/2009.