Investigating the Waste Problem in West Jakarta

Being hit by falling rubbish is a daily occurrence for the cleaning staff at those flats. Jakarta (ANTARA) - West Jakarta is still grappling with high waste generation, amounting to around 807,966 tonnes per year. However, only 212,450 tonnes, or about 26 percent, is recycled or reused each year. Lately, the waste issue in the area has once again come under scrutiny. Although it’s an old problem, the viral images of rubbish piles at several points have reignited discussions on the matter. Some locations spotlighted due to their virality on social media include the area outside Kopro Market in Grogol Petamburan, the West Flood Canal road body, and the Angke Flats in Tambora. For instance, at the area outside Kopro Market last Tuesday (31/3), rubbish piles towered and spilled onto the road. The piles mostly consisted of household waste, plastic bags, sacks, and discarded mattresses. Not surprisingly, the area appeared dirty and muddy, emitting a pungent odour. The surrounding floor was blackened by liquid seeping from the rubbish piles. Additionally, several carts full of rubbish were lined up, indicating that the spot serves as a transit point before collection. A trader nearby, Yahya, admitted to being disturbed by the unpleasant smell before the rubbish was finally collected by staff. In fact, according to him, the presence of these piles could reduce customer interest in shopping. He hopes the accumulation issue is not left unresolved and is addressed permanently soon. Moreover, he noted that residents already pay monthly cleaning fees. At another location, the Tambora Flats area, the waste problem is even more serious. Piles of rubbish reportedly caused the wall of a vegetable trader’s stall next to the disposal site to collapse. According to Masruroh (67), the rubbish piles beside her stall had been leaking leachate in various directions some time ago. Maggots infested the piles due to the abundance of wet household waste. The climax occurred when the rubbish stacked up to the height of her stall’s roof, causing the wall of her trading spot to collapse as it could no longer bear the weight. Nevertheless, Masruroh has no choice but to persevere, as her children still lack stable employment. She continues selling despite being right next to the rubbish piles.