Former Jakarta Environmental Agency Head Named Suspect in Bantargebang TPST Case, Rano Karno: Warned Since 2024
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) has named former Head of the Jakarta Provincial Environmental Agency, Asep Kuswanto alias AK, as a suspect. The suspect designation relates to the management of the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST), which caused a landslide resulting in loss of life.
Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno stated that his side will not obstruct the ongoing legal process. He assured that the Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov) will comply with the current legal proceedings. He noted that this is a necessary consequence.
“We’ll just let it be. We comply with the law in all respects. If it’s indeed a consequence, then it should proceed,” he said at Jakarta City Hall on Tuesday (21/4/2026).
Nevertheless, he mentioned that they will still provide legal assistance to the suspect, who is now Assistant Deputy Governor of the Jakarta Provincial Government for Spatial Planning. He described this as a standard mechanism in government.
“What we will certainly do is support whatever is best to be done,” he stated.
Rano revealed that several officials within the Pemprov Jakarta have been questioned in the case. According to him, the suspect designation for AK is the result of a lengthy investigation process.
“It was even warned about since 2024. So, this is a consequence that must be borne,” said Rano.
He stated that the case should serve as a lesson for the Pemprov Jakarta apparatus in waste management. Therefore, Pemprov Jakarta will prepare several breakthroughs in waste management. One of them is restarting the household waste sorting campaign.
Rano assessed that Pemprov Jakarta can no longer rely solely on TPST Bantargebang for waste management. This is because the daily waste volume in Jakarta has reached 7,000 tons.
In addition, his side will also utilise technological advancements in waste management. Considering that waste can now be processed into electricity.
“And now there’s a solution that electricity can be generated and PLN has the right to purchase it. Previously, they wouldn’t buy it; it could be turned into electricity but couldn’t be distributed. Now, that’s it. Actually, it’s an old technology. But now they’ve finally found the system,” he said.