Bantargebang Waste Pile Reaches 80 Million Tons; Environment Minister Urges Immediate Closure
The Environment Minister Hanif Fasiol Nurofiq has assessed that the Bantargebang final waste disposal site (TPST) has exceeded its operational capacity and design life. According to projections, the waste pile at Bantargebang has reached approximately 80 million tons since commencing operations in 1989.
These conditions indicate that the final disposal site (TPA) is no longer suitable as a primary waste management solution for Jakarta. “The landfill is already 37 years old, which is well beyond acceptable limits. We cannot continue relying on Bantargebang because the accumulated waste is already massive,” Hanif stated at Kampung Rambutan Terminal on Tuesday (17 March).
He emphasised that technically, Jakarta should be capable of reducing its dependence on the TPA if waste management is implemented from the source. Organic waste, he said, must be processed at the source level, whilst inorganic waste should be managed through region-based recycling facilities.
Residual waste, Hanif continued, can be directed to processing facilities such as RDF Rorotan or Bantargebang, rather than being stacked conventionally. “If this approach is implemented, only residue will go to Bantargebang, not all waste,” he stated.
Hanif revealed that his ministry has requested Jakarta’s Governor to coordinate promptly with the Ministry of Public Works regarding the TPA closure mechanism. According to him, the authority to close the site rests with the Public Works Minister and must comply with environmental standards. “The process is underway. We will accelerate it across all fronts,” he asserted.
Furthermore, the Environment Ministry is preparing enforcement measures to drive systemic change. Sanctions will be imposed on public facilities and residential areas unable to manage their waste independently.
Hanif expressed optimism that, given the human resource capacity of Jakarta’s provincial government and firm policy support, the capital’s waste problem can be resolved gradually. “If all areas manage their own waste, the government only handles residue. From a financing perspective, this will also be more efficient. It requires major action, but I am confident Jakarta can achieve this,” he concluded.
The minister cautioned citizens undertaking Lebaran exodus journeys to reduce waste generation during travel. He also criticised waste management standards at several bus terminals, deeming them far below environmental standards.
The Environment Minister confirmed that suspects in the Bantargebang landslide case will be established promptly, with investigations targeting administrative officials responsible since 2013. If the waste problem is not addressed quickly, several TPA facilities are projected to reach maximum capacity by 2028.