Unlocking synergies between waste management and climate change mitigation to accelerate decarbonization through circular-economy digitalization in Indonesia

Abstract

As one of popular destinations in Indonesia for tourism, Lombok Island has been confronted with an overgeneration of solid waste recently. About 600 metric ton (Mt) of the waste is generated daily with 40 % of it as non-biodegradable waste. Amidst the challenges of climate change and the need for decarbonization, this case-study investigates various challenges in strengthening synergies between waste management and climate change mitigation in Lombok, while exploring opportunities to accelerate decarbonization in the waste sector through circular-economy digitalization. Case study of digitalization-based waste recycling in Hainan Island (China) are presented as a model for Lombok to replicate its successful story on how digital technologies contribute to sustainability with respect to efficiency and waste circularity. To obtain relevant data, the research questions cover: How did both Hainan and Lombok Islands deal with the challenges and opportunities associated with digitalization-based circular economy (CE)? What are the implications of digitalization-based waste recycling on the society and economy? It was found that digital revolution has affected all sectors including the waste sector in Hainan. As digitalization has expanded in all sectors, this creates opportunities to optimize waste recycling and decrease GHG emissions, while driving decarbonization across the economy. About 90 % of waste avoidance was attained in Hainan when using digitalization for waste recycling. CE strategies also complement decarbonization to reduce GHG emission from material production through waste recycling, while minimizing its direct emission from local landfills. While the digitalization-based approach is promising for improving waste management in Lombok, its appropriateness and feasibility depend on the Island's socio-economic conditions and digital readiness. The findings underline the importance of integrating digital solutions into local waste management and calls for collaboration among policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to realize the potential of circular-economy digitalization in accelerating decarbonization. By adopting digital opportunities in the waste sector based on China's experiences, Indonesia could accelerate decarbonization pathways in waste sector to accomplish its net-zero emission goals by 2060.