Journal of Political and Governance Studies
Vol. 2 No. 3 (2026): Juli 2026

Public–Private Partnerships in Waste Management: Challenges of Transparency and Accountability in Surabaya

Qoidah Muhtadillah Tri Putri (Universitas Hang Tuah Surabaya)
M. Husni Tamrin (Universitas Hang Tuah Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Aug 2026

Abstract

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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Journal Info

Abbrev

jpgs

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Political and Governance Studies (JPGS) is an open-access and peer-reviewed academic journal on political science and governance. We publish original and up-to-date articles that address important issues in theory and practice, focusing on Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and the global ...