Public–Private Partnerships in Waste Management: Challenges of Transparency and Accountability in Surabaya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64670/jpgs.v2i3.104Keywords:
Accountability , Public–Private Partnership, Transparency, Waste Management , Waste-to-EnergyAbstract
Background Increasing waste generation has encouraged the Surabaya City Government to collaborate with the private sector in developing waste-to-energy infrastructure. This study evaluates the public–private partnership between the Surabaya City Government and PT Sumber Organik in managing the Benowo Waste-to-Energy Plant.
Methods This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. Data analysis involved data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing, while data validity was ensured through source triangulation. The partnership was evaluated based on a public–private partnership evaluation framework.
Results The partnership demonstrated positive operational performance in waste processing and renewable electricity generation, producing 166.1 gigawatt-hours of electricity over nine years. Project continuity was supported by clear role allocation, long-term contractual arrangements, and private-sector technological capacity. However, governance performance remains uneven. Public access to information regarding contractual provisions, financing, performance evaluation, and risk allocation is limited because several project documents are classified as restricted information. This condition weakens transparency, public accountability, and meaningful community participation.
Conclusion The Benowo Waste-to-Energy Plant demonstrates the potential of public–private partnerships to support integrated waste management and renewable energy production. Nevertheless, stronger information disclosure, accountability mechanisms, and public participation are required before this partnership model can be widely replicated in other Indonesian cities.
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