Rano Karno's Response After Former DKI Environmental Head Becomes Suspect in Fatal Rubbish Landslide

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno has spoken out following the designation of former Head of the DKI Jakarta Environmental Agency (LH), Asep Kuswanto, as a suspect in the fatal landslide at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST). He stated that this constitutes a legal consequence.

“We’ll just let it be. We comply with the law, whatever it may be. If it’s indeed a consequence, then it should be carried out,” Rano said at Jakarta City Hall on Tuesday (21/4/2026).

Rano mentioned that the DKI Provincial Government is prepared to provide legal assistance in accordance with applicable government mechanisms. He emphasised that the entire legal process must proceed.

“If that’s the case, we will certainly provide maximum legal assistance. That’s the standard government mechanism,” he said.

He noted that the rubbish issue in Bantargebang is not new. He said warnings have been given since 2024. Rano assured that the DKI Provincial Government will cooperate if requested for statements by law enforcement authorities.

“This is actually a long journey. Not a one-week or two-week process. It has even been warned since 2024,” he stated.

“So, it means this is a consequence that must be borne,” he added.

Previously, environmental investigators from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) designated former Head of the DKI Jakarta Environmental Agency (LH), Asep Kuswanto, as a suspect in the landslide at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST). The incident killed seven people.

Minister of Environment and Forestry/Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, conveyed that the government does not tolerate waste management practices that violate regulations. Especially, he said, since the landslide caused fatalities.

“This law enforcement is part of the government’s commitment to ensure that waste management is carried out responsibly and in accordance with statutory regulations. We have provided guidance, supervision, and administrative sanctions. However, if not complied with, law enforcement measures must be taken,” Hanif said, as reported by Antara on Monday (20/4).