Environment Minister Pledges to Address Illegal Waste Dump in Cilincing: I Will Check with Police Criminal Division

JAKARTA — Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has pledged to promptly address the mountain of waste at an illegal temporary waste depot (TPS) in Rawa Malang, Cilincing, North Jakarta. “We will follow up immediately,” he said when encountered at Tanjung Priok Terminal on Tuesday (17 March 2026).

Regarding allegations that the site is managed by an organised criminal group, Hanif stated his office would partner with the police to conduct investigations.

A video showing vast piles of waste along Jalan Reformasi in Rawa Malang, Cilincing, North Jakarta, went viral on social media. The aerial footage revealed the extent of waste accumulation covering much of the open land in the area.

The video, posted by social media account @jktinfo, shows piles of waste predominantly white and black in colour, believed to comprise plastic waste and other materials such as wood. Several water-filled plots resembling fish ponds surround the site, with some waste having spilt into one of the ponds, discolouring the water.

The footage also captured individuals loading bags of waste from the area into two trucks parked at the location.

In response to the viral video, Eddy Mulyanto, Head of the North Jakarta Environmental Sub-Office, stated that the approximately 5.8-hectare area has been suspected of long-term use as an illegal dumping ground. Mulyanto also revealed that the land ownership status remains contested.

According to reports received by the North Jakarta Environmental Sub-Office, the site hosts waste management activities carried out by an organised group of waste collectors. “The location is known to have waste management activities by an organised waste collectors’ group operating as a cooperative,” he explained.

Mulyanto noted that the city government had previously overseen waste disposal activities at the site.