Semarang, C Java (ANTARA) – The Central Java provincial government is exploring a partnership with U.S.-based waste management firm Energy3 International, Inc. (E3i) to tackle mounting waste issues in the Greater Solo area.Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated on Monday (August 3) that waste management in the region remains a pressing issue requiring immediate resolution.While an agreement is already in place to convert waste into electrical energy, he noted that managing the massive volume of accumulated legacy waste continues to pose a significant challenge.The governor highlighted that the Greater Solo area generates approximately 2,944 metric tons of waste daily — a volume that current infrastructure cannot fully accommodate.Consequently, the provincial government is pushing for the development of a waste-to-fuel facility in the region.The proposed facility will have a processing capacity of about 1,000 tons per day and will serve the districts and municipalities of Boyolali, Surakarta, Sukoharjo, Karanganyar, Wonogiri, Sragen, and Klaten.”Several agglomeration areas have already signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on waste management, such as Semarang and Kendal, with Danantara. Greater Solo has one too, but that is only for newly generated waste, we are still seeking investors to handle the legacy waste,” Luthfi explained.Meanwhile, Head of the Central Java Environment and Forestry Office Heru Djatmika stated that the province aims to achieve zero waste by 2028. Because of this target, potential investors are actively being directed to Greater Solo due to its massive waste accumulation.”This (U.S.) investor is exploring a waste-to-fuel project. (Once the deal is sealed) it will be located in Boyolali, where 20 hectares of the required 25 hectares of land have already been secured,” Djatmika said.E3i representative for ASEAN Medhat Omran said that the investment firm focuses on converting waste into biofuel and energy, and is fully prepared to build the facility in Greater Solo. The project is projected to employ nearly 300 people.He expressed hope that the development will improve the quality of life for surrounding communities, ensuring the project delivers broad socio-economic benefits.”We hope this project can be realized here, benefiting both the community and the country. We utilize new zero-emission technology, making it highly environmentally friendly,” Omran remarked.