Replication of LIPOBAY Briquettes: A Circular Energy Solution for West Java’s Future

Abstract

The Province of West Java faces a critical challenge in managing disposable baby diaper waste. Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS, 2025) recorded 3,983,453 children aged 0–4 years, indicating a significant potential source of diaper waste. These diapers contain Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), a type of plastic that can take up to 500 years to decompose, thus requiring an innovative circular economy-based solution. This study evaluates the replication potential of the LIPOBAY Briquette as a strategy to reduce diaper waste generation while simultaneously providing a clean alternative energy source. The innovation, developed by the Greenetix Boy Team through the Diaper Waste Sorting Movement (GPLP) in Balikpapan, has been technically tested with the following results: a calorific value of 4,813 cal/gram, carbon emission of 54.67%, moisture content of 5.47%, and ash content of 14.33%. The calorific value is comparable to sub-bituminous coal used in power plants, making it feasible for co-firing applications within West Java’s energy mix. Implementation is directed through integration with the Indramayu Regional Landfill (TPA) and the strengthening of community-based GPLP programs. The urgency of this innovation lies in its dual role in mitigating diaper waste accumulation and accelerating the transition toward clean energy. Policy recommendations emphasize strengthening GPLP-based environmental education, integrating the initiative into provincial Waste-to-Energy programs, providing incentives for environmental MSMEs, developing green certification and quality standards, and advancing collaborative research based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to ensure long-term sustainability. Thus, the replication of the LIPOBAY Briquette in West Java represents not only a technical solution but also a transformative policy model toward a sustainable energy and waste management system.