Government to Relax Deadline for Local Authorities to End Open Dumping Landfills

The Minister of Environment, Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat, stated that the government has set a target for waste final processing sites (TPA) using open dumping systems to cease operations entirely by 1 August 2026. However, recognising that waste management is a complex challenge, Jumhur is prepared to offer flexibility to local governments that are unable to meet this deadline.

“We are indeed pushing for open dumping to be finalised by 1 August,” said Jumhur during an interview at Bulusan Edu Park, Semarang, Central Java, on Tuesday (2/6/2026).

Nevertheless, Jumhur added that he intends to remain realistic regarding whether these technical requirements can be met within the established timeframe. “Because waste management is not as easy as imagined; moving or creating new systems still requires a process,” he remarked.

“Therefore, there is potential for the government to provide relaxation by extending the deadline, provided there is serious commitment from the local governments,” Jumhur added.