A Ticking Time Bomb in Bantar Gebang
This article is an opinion piece, and all content and opinions reflect the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of the editorial team.
In April 2026, a report titled “Spotlight on the Top 25 Methane Plumes in 2025: Landfills” will rank the Bantar Gebang Integrated Waste Disposal Site (TPST) as the second-largest methane-emitting landfill in the world.
The Bantar Gebang TPST is estimated to emit up to 6.3 tons of methane per hour, or 151.2 tons per day.
This figure is almost equivalent to the emissions produced by cars driving around the Earth 15 times.
These emissions will undoubtedly add to Indonesia’s burden in achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2060.
Moreover, the issue of emissions management at the Bantar Gebang TPST has yet to find a solution.
From issues of authority between the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and the Bekasi City Government to limited budgets, these have become obstacles in managing emissions at the Bantar Gebang TPST.
The problems at the Bantar Gebang TPST are not only related to the emissions produced, but the Bantar Gebang TPST also has various other problems.
From health and safety issues for the surrounding community to the management of leachate, these are other polemics that must be resolved by stakeholders related to the Bantar Gebang TPST.
The leachate, which has not been properly managed, is strongly suspected of being a source of pollution in the Cijambe River.
Another issue is related to the health and safety of the surrounding community.
On March 8, 2026, a landslide occurred at the Bantar Gebang TPST, claiming the lives of 7 people from the surrounding community.
In addition, health risks ranging from respiratory diseases to cancer are also faced by the community around the Bantar Gebang TPST.
In fact, regarding these problems, the government has made several efforts so that the problems at the Bantar Gebang TPST can be resolved.
For example, by providing compensation funds to the community around the Bantar Gebang TPST and managing waste in the area.