Search and Rescue Operations Continue Following Waste Heap Landslide at Bantar Gebang

Multiple joint rescue teams conducted search operations following the collapse of a waste heap approximately 50 metres high in Zone IV of the Bantar Gebang Integrated Waste Processing Centre (TPST) in Bekasi City, West Java, on Sunday 8 March 2026 at approximately 14:30 West Indonesia Time. The incident claimed four lives buried beneath waste material.

As of Monday 9 March 2026, the Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) confirmed four deceased victims: Enda Widayanti (25), Sumini (60), Dedi Sutrisno (22), and Iwan Supriyatin (40).

The KLH/BPLH stated that a comprehensive investigation into the fatal incident had commenced, including law enforcement measures to ensure that the protracted waste management problems affecting the capital region do not claim further lives.

Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that the government prioritises the evacuation process for all victims whilst initiating a thorough investigation to take firm action against any negligence in waste management that endangers public safety.

The Jakarta Provincial Environmental Services initiated an Emergency Response Operation. Handling was conducted swiftly and in coordination with a multi-agency joint team, focusing on officer safety, victim management, and acceleration of evacuation for vehicles affected by the landslide.

The KLH/BPLH noted that Bantar Gebang TPST has a history of fatal incidents, including a landslide affecting settlements in 2003 and the collapse of Zone 3 in 2006, which resulted in fatalities. A series of similar events continued in January 2026 when a foundation subsided and dragged three waste trucks into a river, before another landslide occurred in March 2026.

Minister Hanif emphasised that those found negligent may be charged under Law No. 32 of 2009, facing penalties of 5–10 years imprisonment and fines of Rp5–10 billion.

To date, joint teams continue search efforts for persons reported missing due to the landslide at the Bantar Gebang TPST area. The search process is conducted by combing through the incident site using heavy equipment and personnel from various relevant agencies.