Methane Emissions from Indonesian Landfills: Site Conditions, Scientific Evidence, and Environmental Risks

Methane emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills are a significant environmental risk, particularly in developing countries like Indonesia. With 63% of MSW composed of biodegradable materials, Indonesian landfills are a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Despite regulations mandating environmentally sound management, most landfills operate as open dumping (43.1%) or controlled landfills (41.6%), with only 5.3% classified as sanitary landfills. This study aims to assess methane emissions from Indonesian landfills by analyzing site conditions, reviewing scientific evidence, and evaluating associated environmental risks. A national dataset of 341 landfills from 38 provinces and 65 scientific publications were analyzed. Results show that only 15.38% of landfills have gas recovery systems, and literature confirms emissions exceeding 100,000 Mg/year at some sites. Methane-driven fires were reported at 63 sites, with methane identified as the primary cause in 26 cases. This study highlights the urgent need for integrated mitigation strategies, including gas capture, flaring, and waste-to-energy systems, to reduce emissions. Transitioning to sanitary landfill practices with systematic methane management is essential for minimizing environmental risks and supporting Indonesia’s climate goals.