Metro Police Chief Deploys K9 Unit to Search for Bantargebang Landfill Landslide Victims
The Metro Jaya Police Chief, Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri, personally inspected the rubbish landslide at the Bantargebang Waste Treatment Centre (TPST) in Bekasi City, West Java. The Police Chief directed personnel to prioritise victim evacuation efforts.
The Metro Jaya Police Public Relations Officer, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that the Police Chief visited the site on the evening of Sunday, 8 March, accompanied by Deputy Police Chief Brigadier General Dekananto Eko Purwono. Inspector General Asep issued several directives to personnel at the scene.
“The Police Chief requested that officers focus on handling victims, both those who have died and those who have survived,” Budi Hermanto stated on Monday, 9 March 2026.
Additionally, Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri instructed officers to maximise the victim search operation. Police estimate that approximately ten victims remain buried beneath the debris.
“The Police Chief also requested that officers maximise the victim search process using the K9 animal unit,” he said.
The Metro Jaya Police will also establish an integrated command post for handling missing persons to assist with victim identification and data collection.
The incident occurred on Sunday, 8 March 2026 at approximately 14:00 Western Indonesian Time. The incident occurred unexpectedly when a mound of rubbish collapsed, burying a shop and several refuse trucks.
“Witnesses heard residents shouting about a landslide, then saw a mountain of rubbish suddenly collapse, blocking the road and striking a shop and several waste trucks,” said the Bekasi City Metro Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Kusumo, in a statement on Monday, 9 March 2026.
Information about the Bantargebang landfill collapse spread rapidly through the facility’s security communication group, prompting staff to immediately proceed to the location. Police from the Bantargebang Police Station rushed to the scene after receiving the alert.
The Bantargebang Police Station conducted assessments, recorded victim information, and assisted with evacuation efforts. According to preliminary data, four people have been confirmed dead.
“The deceased victims, identified by initials as S (60), a coffee vendor at the location, EW (26), a waste collector, DS (22), a truck driver from West Semper, Cilincing, North Jakarta, and IS (40), who also worked as a truck driver,” Kusumo stated.
Personnel from various units proceeded to the scene and conducted evacuation operations throughout the evening. The search for victims continues using heavy equipment including an excavator.