Cipayung locals block dump entrance

Marilin, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Around 20 residents of Cipayung subdistrict, Pancoran Mas, Depok, blocked the entrance of the Cipayung dump on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., causing dump trucks to line up in front of the gates.

The residents demanded that the dump management, under the Depok Sanitation and Park Agency improve the waste treatment facility to reduce pollution in the neighborhood caused by the site.

"If our demand is ignored, we will continue blocking the entrance to the dump," said Dany, head of a community unit at the subdistrict.

The dump is located just around 10 meters from the nearest house. Residents have complained of the stench that can be smelt 500 meters away. Residents also blamed the dump for causing upper respiratory infections among locals.

Head of Cipayung subdistrict, Mubarok, said that he had met with the residents and agreed to convey their demand to the city administration.

Councillor Imam Budihartono admitted that the council had received a protest letter from the residents on Monday and would "talk with officials from the agency" to solve the problem.