KDM Reveals Major Challenges of Waste Accumulation in West Java

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi stated that he is currently mapping waste management across various regencies and cities, which are still experiencing accumulation in West Java. The mapping is particularly focused on urban areas to prevent a more severe environmental crisis in the future.

Dedi, affectionately known as Kang Dedi Mulyadi (KDM), mentioned that the Sarimukti landfill in West Bandung is expected to reach the end of its operational life by October. According to him, swift action is needed to manage waste from the Greater Bandung area so that the accumulation of refuse does not become uncontrollable.

“Sarimukti is an acute problem for the West Java Provincial Government, which must orchestrate waste disposal for Bandung City, Cimahi City, Bandung Regency, and possibly parts of West Bandung. This acute problem, its lifespan actually runs out in October,” he said at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Ciketing Udik PSEL Project in Bekasi.

As a short-term solution, he plans to use Perhutani land for temporary disposal sites. KDM expressed willingness to allocate budget for land lease over a 30-year duration to ensure operational certainty for regional waste handling while awaiting the readiness of the Legok Nangka landfill.

“Regarding the existing forest area, if it is indeed needed for waste management handling and if PT Perhutani requires payment as rent, the West Java Provincial Government is willing to provide rent for the next 30 years,” he explained.

The challenge of high waste volumes is also found in the Cirebon Raya, Karawang, and Subang areas in addition to Greater Bandung. Given that the construction of the waste processing facility in Legok Nangka, Bandung Regency requires approximately three years, accelerated handling measures are needed in other regions.

“The next task is the West Java region, namely Cirebon Raya, Karawang, and also Karawang and Subang are also high and problematic. If Cirebon Raya, then Karawang and Subang are completed, the southern region can also be resolved with simple measures,” he added.

Specifically in Bekasi, he highlighted the issue of waste disposal into river channels, which has become a behavioural pattern among residents. Dedi emphasised the need for enforcement measures along riverbanks, accompanied by resident relocation policies so that the waste problem in the area can be thoroughly resolved.

“In Bekasi there is still waste accumulation in the rivers and it has become a tradition in the community’s way of life. So the solution is riverbank enforcement. Riverbank enforcement must be balanced with resident relocation because they will lose their homes,” he concluded.