The ASOSAI Working Group on Environmental Auditing meeting was held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from February 22 to 27, 2025.

The event was organized by the Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia and the National Audit Office of China (Working Group Chair).

The meeting gathered representatives from the SAIs of Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Russia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Thailand. Delegates from SAIs Malta and Poland (EUROSAI representatives), the Ministry of Environment of Indonesia, and local government authorities were engaged as external experts, contributing their specialized knowledge and insights.

Key Agenda Topic: Solid Waste Management.

• Developing a Resource-Efficient Economy in Indonesia. Country faces pressing challenges in waste management, including overloaded landfills and outdated disposal methods. The strategic objective is to reduce waste generation by 30% and increase proper handling by 70% by 2025[1]. Widodo Sugiri, Head of the Environmental Protection Department of Banyumas Regency, shared insights on the regional infrastructure modernization efforts. The adoption of advanced waste sorting and recycling technologies, coupled with collaboration with civil society and industrial enterprises, has resulted in an 85% reduction in waste generation and the creation of over 1,500 jobs.
• Сhina’s Zero Waste Agenda. China implemented a comprehensive environmental management system that includes regulatory frameworks[2], regional pilot projects, big data monitoring tools, and subsidies for industrial waste recycling enterprises. However, challenges remain, including low recycling rates in some provinces, insufficient government funding for recycling infrastructure, and non-compliance with disposal standards in certain industrial sectors, as noted by representatives of the National Audit Office of China.
• Indore: A Leader in India’s "Swachh Bharat" Initiative[3]. Indore achieved 100% door-to-door segregated waste collection and sorting. The city established biomethanation plants and material recovery facilities (MRFs) to ensure that only non-recyclable waste is sent to landfills. Old landfills are being reclaimed and transformed into green spaces, reducing environmental impact and enhancing urban livability. According to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the country generates 170,339 tons of solid waste daily, with 92% collected, 54% recycled, 24% landfilled, and 22% left untreated. Despite current challenges, the CAG of India recommends scaling Indore’s successful model nationwide, emphasizing increased investment in the recycling industry and private sector involvement.

The meeting materials are available via the following link.

The ASOSAI Working Group on Environmental Auditing adopted its Work Plan for 2025–2026. Key priorities include digitalization of auditing processes, implementation of advanced monitoring technologies, and expansion of international cooperation.

[1] Indonesia generates over 56.6 million tons of waste annually, with a significant portion consisting of food waste (41.6%) and plastic (18.71%).

[2] Adoption of the Law on the Prevention and Control of Environment Pollution Caused by Solid Wastes

[3] Recognized as the cleanest city in India for seven consecutive years in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.