Ministry of Environment Investigates Waste Landslide at Bantargebang Waste Processing Centre Claiming Six Lives
Deputy Environment Minister Diaz Hendropriyono expressed deep condolences over the waste landslide incident at Bantargebang Waste Processing Centre (TPST Bantargebang) that claimed multiple lives. Hendropriyono stated that his ministry has deployed a team to investigate the incident.
“I extend my deepest condolences over the incident that occurred at Bantargebang,” Hendropriyono told reporters on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
Based on data received by Monday, 9 March evening, there were 13 casualties comprising six confirmed deaths, six injured persons, and one person still missing. Hendropriyono noted the figures could change as rescue efforts continue.
“From the Ministry of Environment, we regret that this could happen, and hopefully it serves as a wake-up call to all of us that waste management in Indonesia is not a trivial issue. It is truly a serious problem, even an existential one,” he stated.
Hendropriyono said regarding allegations of negligence in facility management, the ministry has deployed teams to the site. Additionally, he noted that an inter-ministerial command post has been established at the incident location.
“With respect to allegations of negligence in management, the Law Enforcement Team of the Ministry of Environment (Gakkum KLH) and the Waste, Rubbish and Hazardous Materials Management team have been deployed to the field. An inter-ministerial command post is already in place at the location,” he explained.
“Additionally, the Ministry of Environment will provide compensation to the victims,” he added.
Hendropriyono stated that the Gakkum KLH team has coordinated with Metro Jaya Regional Police regarding handling of the case. He noted that the investigation process will likely be handled by the Ministry of Environment’s Law Enforcement division.
“As for potential criminal charges, the Gakkum team will assess based on applicable regulations, including Law 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, given that there are fatalities,” he said.
Furthermore, Hendropriyono stated that the local government is currently working to address Jakarta’s waste management problems. This includes developing a Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) waste processing facility in the Rorotan area of North Jakarta.
“Once again, I deeply regret that this could happen, particularly as the Jakarta Capital City administration is beginning to address waste management issues, particularly with the presence of the RDF waste processing plant in Rorotan, North Jakarta, and has begun conducting outreach for household waste segregation in 14 neighbourhoods in Rorotan,” he said.
The Bantargebang Landslide
The incident occurred on Sunday, 8 March 2026 at approximately 14:00 Western Indonesia Time. The incident happened suddenly, with waste collapsing and burying a food stall and several waste collection trucks.
“Witnesses heard residents shouting about a landslide, then saw a mountain of waste suddenly collapse, blocking the road and crushing a food stall and several waste collection trucks,” said Metro Bekasi City Police Chief Kombes Kusumo in his statement on Monday, 9 March.
Most recently, two residents reported as victims of the landslide were found alive. Additionally, one other person named Hardianto was found deceased.
Consequently, a total of six people are now reported to have died in the incident. Search and rescue teams continue searching for one additional victim.
“At 16:57 Western Indonesia Time, we received information from police that victims named Ato and Dofir are safe and have returned to their respective residences,” said Head of Jakarta Search and Rescue Office Desiana Kartika Bahari on Monday, 9 March.
Information about the Bantargebang waste landslide spread rapidly through the waste processing centre’s security communication channel, prompting staff to immediately head to the location. Police from Bantargebang Police Substation rushed to the site after receiving notification.
Personnel from various units descended on the location to carry out evacuation efforts. Heavy equipment including excavators continue to be used in ongoing victim search operations.