Layered Problems at Kramat Jati Market: Piling Rubbish, TPS Wall Still Unrepaired

JAKARTA - The wall at Pasar Induk Kramat Jati in East Jakarta collapsed, allegedly due to pressure from the towering pile of rubbish. The wall has been down since January 2026, when the rubbish mounted and exerted pressure on it, but it has yet to be repaired to this day. Concrete materials and wall posts appear to have crumbled into the drainage channel at the back of the TPS. In addition, various vegetable and fruit rubbish from the TPS can be seen carried away into the drainage channel. A resident named Susi (40) explained that the footpath near the collapsed TPS wall is frequently used by residents. For that reason, she said she is worried about the safety of road users there. “It’s not just a shortcut for residents; the field there is also often used by children to play. So we’re concerned if it suddenly collapses, especially since the rubbish keeps piling up,” said Susi when met on Tuesday (31/3/2026). Susi hopes the collapsed wall and the rubbish pile will be addressed soon so that the community feels safe and comfortable in their activities. The Jakarta Environment Agency (DLH) continues to carry out the removal of the six-metre-high rubbish pile at Pasar Induk Kramat Jati in East Jakarta on Tuesday (31/3/2026). Sugiat (55), one of the parking attendants, said the rubbish removal has been ongoing for the last four days. However, he assessed that the results have not shown significant changes. “The first removal was a lot, about twenty trucks, then the second was thirteen, and this morning only five, the reduction isn’t visible yet,” he said. “Back then (in January), the removal involved many trucks, 50 trucks a day from morning to evening. That’s why it was cleared quickly,” he explained. Several traders at Pasar Induk Kramat Jati have complained that the approximately six-metre-high rubbish pile is disrupting loading and unloading activities. The towering rubbish is located near the vegetable and fruit traders’ area, thus narrowing vehicle access. “Usually at night and in the evening it’s very crowded, because trucks are constantly loading and unloading, so the road becomes a bit narrower because of the rubbish,” said Agus (48), one of the traders.