Environment Minister Describes Bantargebang Waste Landslide as "Tip of the Iceberg"

Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has criticised the conditions at Bantargebang Temporary Final Disposal Site (TPST) following the fatal landslide that claimed seven lives, characterising the incident as merely the “tip of the iceberg” masking broader problems at the facility.

“This incident is just the tip of the iceberg. Certainly there were previous officials who we must question about why open dumping operations were never halted,” Hanif stated at Kramat Jati Market in East Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

Hanif highlighted dangerous conditions for waste workers at Bantargebang, citing violations in waste management practices at the site. He detailed environmental damage already identified in the surrounding area.

“From an environmental perspective, we have already identified the presence of heavy metals in rivers and wells of communities around Bantargebang. This we will continue to investigate. We must urgently and gradually transition waste management away from Bantargebang,” Hanif said.

According to Hanif, some 80 million tonnes of waste currently accumulate at Bantargebang TPST. He described the conditions as alarming and hazardous to local residents.

“Based on our records, more than 80 million tonnes of waste are piled up at Bantargebang TPST. The inactive disposal area reaches a height of 50 metres, whilst the active waste heap reaches 73 metres,” he explained.

Hanif noted that Jakarta still holds “dirty city” status, stating that all six administrative regions from central Jakarta to the island clusters fall within the dirty city category. He urged local authorities to reform their approach to resolving the waste crisis.

The minister emphasised the critical importance of waste segregation, regardless of technological sophistication or methodologies employed. “In reality, waste management can only begin after proper sorting. Without segregation, handling costs become prohibitively high,” he stated.

Hanif called for coordinated action from all stakeholders to resolve Jakarta’s prolonged waste management crisis. “Enough of the chaos in Jakarta’s waste management. Let us reform starting now with all military and police units in Jakarta, all central government bodies and local government working together to resolve this waste problem as quickly as possible,” he concluded.