Gentengisasi Program Proposed to Utilize FABA Waste, Management Challenges Remain Significant
- Jun 8
- 1 min read
The “Gentengisasi” program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto is proposed as a solution to utilize coal combustion waste in the form of fly ash and bottom ash (FABA) from coal-fired power plants (PLTU). The waste is planned to be mixed with clay to strengthen roof tile production as a housing material. The government is encouraging local cooperatives to establish clay roof tile factories and urging regional leaders to support its implementation. In addition to being more heat-resistant and rust-proof compared to metal roofing, FABA-based clay tiles are expected to serve as an alternative waste management solution while also stimulating local economic activity.
However, FABA management challenges remain substantial. The Ministry of Environment estimates that FABA production in 2025 will reach 12.6–25.2 million tons, while data from the SPEED system indicates that millions of tons of fly ash and hundreds of thousands of tons of bottom ash remain untreated across several provinces. Unmanaged waste poses risks of soil and water contamination around power plants. PLN has acknowledged geographical constraints, particularly the distance between power plants and cement factories, the primary absorbers of FABA, therefore promoting alternative utilization through MSMEs to process FABA into paving blocks, concrete, and other construction products.
Source:
