Police Reveal Reason for Waste Truck Traffic Through Residential Road in Sumur Batu, Bekasi
BEKASI – Police have revealed the reason waste trucks have been passing through Gang Lurah Road, Sumur Batu District, Bantargebang Subdistrict, Bekasi City. This road is a residential street not designated for heavy vehicles.
The route was diverted after a waste landslide rendered the main access to Sumur Batu Final Disposal Site (TPA) impassable.
Bantargebang Police Chief Commissioner Sukadi explained that the emergency situation necessitated rerouting waste trucks through residential streets. “According to information, it is a residential road not designated for waste trucks to pass through. However, because the main road was affected by a waste landslide and became impassable, the diversion was necessary,” Sukadi told Kompas.com on Friday (27 February 2026).
“Initially, permission was granted for one week. It was then extended by another week, and it has continued until now,” Sukadi added.
However, use of the road has impacted residents’ activities, particularly food vendors and those selling break-fast goods (takjil) in the area. The smell from waste trucks passing through and frequently stopping is said to be disrupting their businesses. “Because the trucks pass through and pile up there, the smell is extraordinary, and consequently nobody is selling,” Sukadi noted.
Amid the controversy, allegations of illegal levies (pungli) against waste truck drivers have emerged. The issue surfaced after a video featuring driver confessions went viral on social media.
A video posted by Instagram account @radar_bekasi on Tuesday (24 February 2026) showed several waste truck drivers bound for Sumur Batu TPA claiming they were being asked for money by a group of residents each time they passed.
According to the post’s description, the practice of illegal levies allegedly began approximately one month ago following the landslide affecting the main TPA access route. “Those women ask for donations in a basin. Some give Rp1,000, some Rp2,000, and some Rp3,000,” one driver stated.
He confirmed that the residents demanding money were local residents and that it was not an official levy. Sukadi also denied reports that drivers were being asked for between Rp30,000 and Rp50,000 per vehicle or faced intimidation. “So there is no levy demand reaching Rp50,000. Residents say it is voluntary only,” he said.
Nevertheless, Sukadi emphasised that asking money from drivers remains unjustifiable. He stated that he had called in relevant parties for clarification. “Yesterday, I summoned the neighbourhood head, Ibu Haji Gabok, and the women allegedly demanding money. They were called directly to the police station,” Sukadi explained.
However, there has been no response from the Environmental Services Office (DLH) yet.