Rubbish from Pulogebang TPS 3R Spills onto Road, Residents Complain of Odour and Diseases

The condition of the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (TPS 3R) waste processing site on Rawa Bebek Street in Pulogebang, East Jakarta, is increasingly concerning. Piles of rubbish overflowing onto the roadside are causing anxiety among local residents over the risk of spreading various diseases.

Based on observations at the site on Thursday (9/4), the rubbish appears to be heaped beside the TPS 3R building and scattered across the opposite street. The pungent odour that pierces the nose forces motorcyclists passing by to cover their faces, even while wearing masks.

Jayadi, 38, one of the local residents, expressed his concerns about the health impacts from the uncollected rubbish piles. According to him, this situation attracts flies and rats that act as disease vectors.

“Rubbish like this makes us worried because it’s dirty, smelly, and can cause diseases like dengue fever, diarrhoea, or viruses. Children or the elderly become vulnerable to illness if this condition is left unchecked,” said Jayadi on Thursday (9/4).

Echoing Jayadi, Sunaryo, 49, a motorcyclist, admitted to being greatly disturbed every time he passes through the area. He hopes that officials will promptly collect the rubbish to prevent further accumulation and disruption to road access.

“It should be followed up immediately. When passing through there, I have to cover my nose again; the smell penetrates the mask,” complained Sunaryo.

The rubbish accumulation issue at TPS 3R Pulogebang is suspected to be related to restrictions at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST) in Bekasi. This has caused delays in rubbish truck hauls.

“Trucks haven’t come to collect, so it piled up. It was collected briefly, now it’s piling up again. There needs to be real long-term action from the DKI Provincial Government,” added Jayadi.

In response to the waste problem in his area, East Jakarta Mayor Munjirin previously encouraged the public to sort waste from the source, namely households. This step is expected to reduce the disposal burden at TPST Bantargebang.

“The government is encouraging the public to start reducing waste volume and sorting from households,” said Munjirin at the East Jakarta Mayor’s Office on Tuesday (7/4).

The East Jakarta City Government has also taken several strategic steps, including promoting waste reduction and sorting initiatives.