Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Environment and Forestry has indicated that achieving the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) emissions reduction targets will be difficult without improved waste sorting practices. Effective waste separation at the source is considered crucial for lowering emissions from the waste sector. Currently, inadequate sorting hinders the effectiveness of waste management facilities. The NDC outlines Indonesia’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement. Reaching these goals requires a significant overhaul of current waste handling systems. Improved infrastructure and public participation in waste sorting are essential components of a successful strategy. Failure to address this issue could impede Indonesia’s progress towards its climate commitments.