KLH Clarifies: Closure Targets Open Dumping Practices, Not Landfills

The Ministry of Environment (KLH) has emphasised that halting open dumping practices at final disposal sites (TPA) is a crucial step in accelerating the resolution of national waste issues. However, the Ministry clarified that this policy does not involve closing all landfills, but rather ending waste management systems that have been identified as causing various environmental impacts.

The Acting Deputy for Waste, Hazardous, and Toxic Substance Management (PSLB3) at the Ministry of Environment, Laksmi Widyajeyanti, stated that the government is currently focused on stopping open dumping practices that are still being implemented in several regions.

“The closure referred to is for open dumping landfills. For regions with limited land, we must inevitably strive for waste processing from the upstream source,” said Laksmi during a press conference regarding priority programme updates and sustainable environmental empowerment, on Wednesday (10/06/2026).

Laksmi explained that numerous landfills in Indonesia are facing pressure due to limited land availability and the high volume of waste arriving daily. One notable example is the Suwung landfill in Bali, which serves as the primary disposal site for waste from Denpasar and its surrounding areas.

According to Laksmi, waste reduction at the source is beginning to show positive results. Based on monitoring by the Ministry of Environment, the implementation of waste sorting since January in the Suwung landfill service area has successfully and significantly reduced the volume of incoming waste.

“The volume of incoming waste has decreased substantially after the community began sorting waste at the source. We continue to encourage processing from the upstream level,” she added.

She noted that the President has requested the acceleration of the national waste problem resolution, moving the target forward from 2029 to 2028. Consequently, the government is preparing more massive and integrated steps involving central and local governments, the private sector, and the community.

Laksmi assessed that waste management cannot rely solely on landfills. A more effective approach must begin upstream through waste sorting and the implementation of a circular economy, ensuring that waste holds economic value while simultaneously reducing the environmental burden.