Mitigation at Bantargebang TPST Strengthened, Worker Compensation Disbursed
The Jakarta Provincial Government is conducting a comprehensive evaluation and risk mitigation for disasters at the Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST) in Bantargebang, Bekasi. This step follows the landslide tragedy on Sunday (8/3) that claimed the lives of seven workers and injured seven others.
The Head of the Jakarta Environmental Agency (DLH), Asep Kuswanto, stated that on-site technical evaluations are the top priority to prevent similar incidents from recurring. On the other hand, the government is also strengthening worker protections in the waste management sector.
Asep said that with employment social security protection, it is hoped that workers can feel at ease and perform their duties more optimally. “We will continue to strive to provide the best protection for workers so they can work safely and deliver the best services to the community,” Asep said in his statement.
Based on data from the Jakarta DLH, there are more than 12,000 Individual Other Service Providers (PJLP) registered as active BPJS Ketenagakerjaan participants. This protection has also reached around 4,000 scavengers in the Bantargebang TPST area, who are an inseparable part of the capital’s waste management ecosystem.
On Tuesday (17/3), compensation was handed over to the heirs of the Bantargebang landslide victims. The families of two garbage truck drivers, Irwan Supriatin and Hardi Yanto, each received Work Accident Insurance (JKK) compensation of Rp391.9 million along with educational scholarship benefits for their children. Meanwhile, the heirs of Suminih, an informal sector worker in the area, received compensation of Rp171.3 million.
The seven injured victims are currently undergoing medical treatment. The Head of the BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Jakarta Regional Office, Deny Yusyulian, emphasised that all treatment costs are fully covered through the Work Accident Service Centre (PLKK) facility until the patients are declared recovered according to medical indications.
Deny said that the worker ecosystem around TPST, including scavengers, small business actors, and transportation workers, faces high work risks and needs protection. “We hope that all workers around Bantargebang, not just scavengers, can be protected by the employment social security programme because risks can occur at any time,” Deny said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Jakarta Ceger Branch Office, Armada Kaban, stressed the importance of collective awareness in registering vulnerable worker groups.
“This tragedy provides a valuable lesson that work risks never choose a time. We are committed to ensuring that the claims process runs quickly and without obstacles. The compensation is expected to maintain the economy of the bereaved families, so their children can continue schooling, and the family’s future does not collapse along with this calamity,” Kaban asserted.
Kaban also urged business actors and informal worker coordinators in their work areas not to delay registration for participation. “With very affordable contributions, workers already get comprehensive protection. Don’t wait for a calamity to happen before realising the importance of protection,” she concluded.