Monjok Sub-district Office in Mataram Becomes Temporary Waste Collection Site
The Monjok Sub-district Office in Mataram City has effectively changed its function into a temporary waste collection site. This situation arose after plans to relocate the Mobile Waste Collection Point (TPS Mobile) faced significant opposition from local residents.
The Monjok Sub-district Office, located on Jalan Terusan Bung Hatta, Gang Gedur, Mataram, is currently being used as a transit area for community waste to prevent piles of rubbish from accumulating in residential areas.
“For the time being, it is indeed at the sub-district office, while we search for another location,” said the Acting Head of Monjok, Mulya Hidayat, who is also the Head of Selaparang District, when confirmed on Tuesday (22/09/2026).
Mulya stated that the plan to relocate the Mobile TPS has yet to reach a resolution, citing two main obstacles. The first is that the proposed access road must pass through a densely populated residential area, which would make it difficult for waste collection trucks to navigate. The second obstacle is the rejection from local residents, who fear the new location will eventually become a permanent, smelly, and slum-like dumping ground.
“It is feared it will be regarded as a rubbish dump,” he explained. He added that they have been searching for alternative sites since last year, and the local government is prepared to acquire land if a representative location is found.
Mulya noted that the accumulation of waste at the Monjok Sub-district Office has actually been occurring for the past three years. His office is still striving to find a suitable alternative location for the Mobile TPS.
Despite the office functioning like a waste collection point, Mulya assured that public services continue to operate normally. He maintained that the presence of the waste does not disrupt administrative services.
Observations at the site showed household waste scattered because it had not been placed in plastic bags. The large volume of waste has caused the area to emit a pungent odour and produce black liquid runoff.
A waste truck driver at the location, Satriyadi, confirmed that the waste accumulation at the Monjok Sub-district Office has lasted for over three years. He noted that the collection process can take more than three hours because the waste is not bagged, making it difficult to load.
A single collection trip can fill an entire truck. Satriyadi added that the waste is currently being transported to the Bintaro TPS because the Kebon Kongok landfill is currently closed.