Bandung. Indonesia on Wednesday began construction of a $400 million waste-to-energy plant in Bandung Regency, West Java, marking another step in the government's drive to tackle urban waste while expanding renewable energy capacity.

According to the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, the Legok Nangka facility will have a generating capacity of 40.79 megawatts and is expected to be completed within 41 months. The project is projected to create more than 1,500 jobs during construction.

The plant will process waste from six cities and regencies that collectively generate about 2,131 tons of waste per day. In addition to producing electricity, the facility is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 311,874 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.

"With its significant generating capacity and strong investment support, the project is expected to deliver tangible benefits by reducing waste volumes, supplying clean energy, creating jobs, stimulating regional economic activity, cutting emissions, and improving environmental quality and public health," Deputy Energy Minister Yuliot Tanjung said in a statement.

The government also expects the Legok Nangka project will serve as a model for similar waste-to-energy developments across Indonesia.

Waste-to-energy projects are a key component of President Prabowo Subianto's strategy to address mounting urban waste while developing cleaner sources of electricity.

The investment program is being coordinated by Danantara Investment Management, with domestic and international contractors selected through an open tender process.

Earlier this month, Danantara selected development partners for eight waste-to-energy projects that will serve 20 cities and regencies nationwide.

Of the eight winning consortiums, four are led by Indonesian companies, two by French firms, and two by Chinese companies.

The first project under the nationwide program was launched in South Denpasar, Bali, on July 8.