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FORMOSA NEWS

Weak communication, limited budgets, and scarce operational facilities have hindered the effective implementation of integrated waste management in Sumbawa Regency. Although the region generates hundreds of tons of waste daily, the majority is disposed of using open-dumping practices. Addressing this issue, a recent study conducted by Rocky Zamabutar and Sri Rahayu from the Sumbawa University of Technology between May and June 2026 found that community-based innovation serves as the primary driving force to bridge local government capacity limitations. This research is vital for safeguarding environmental governance in developing regions while accelerating the transition toward a circular economy.

Waste management challenges in Sumbawa became increasingly pressing following the central government's imposition of administrative sanctions requiring the termination of open dumping at the Raberas Final Processing Site. From a total daily waste generation of approximately 290 tons, only a small fraction is properly managed, while the rest accumulates due to fleet limitations, a shortage of trained personnel, and minimal regional budget allocations for the sanitation sector.

To uncover the root causes and solutions for this crisis, the researchers employed a qualitative approach using a holistic single-case study design. Data collection involved in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and document analysis across three urban villages in Sumbawa Regency. The researchers analyzed field dynamics by integrating public policy implementation theory, the Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM) framework, innovation models, and public sector performance management.

The findings indicate that waste management failures stem from communication barriers, fragmented bureaucracy, and resource constraints. Nevertheless, villages with high community participation and strong innovation capacity demonstrated superior waste management performance despite facing identical budget constraints.

Strategic findings from this research include:

  • The Role of Waste Banks and Collaborative Campaigns: Local initiatives such as incentive-based Waste Bank programs and waste-separation movements successfully boosted public participation beyond conventional government programs.
  • Adaptation of the Innovation Cycle: Community innovation evolved through a continuous cycle of searching, selecting, implementing, and adaptive learning to generate pragmatic solutions amid institutional constraints.
  • Compensating for Government Limitations: Grassroots innovations served as a strategic compensatory mechanism that offset the operational weaknesses of the bureaucracy.

These findings carry broad implications for public policy reform and environmental governance. Local governments are encouraged to strengthen cross-sector coordination, increase budgetary allocations, and institutionalize successful community-based innovations like Waste Banks.

"Community-driven adaptive innovation plays a crucial role in improving policy implementation and advancing sustainable waste management in resource-limited local governments," the researchers noted in their report.

Author Profiles

  • Rocky Zamabutar – Master’s student in Innovation Management, Graduate School, Sumbawa University of Technology, focusing on innovation management and public governance.
  • Sri Rahayu, S.E., M.M. – Lecturer and researcher at the Innovation Management Study Program, Graduate School, Sumbawa University of Technology, focusing on strategic and environmental management.

Research Sources: