Surabaya DPRD Demands Urgent Evaluation of Unroadworthy Rubbish Trucks

The Surabaya municipal parliament has raised concerns about several waste collection trucks that are considered unroadworthy yet continue to operate. The condition is viewed as potentially hazardous to public safety whilst damaging the city’s aesthetic appeal.

Deputy Chairman of the Surabaya DPRD Arif Fathoni stated that the matter of the waste collection fleet had previously been discussed with the Surabaya Environmental Services Office (DLH). During the meeting, DLH explained that some trucks belong to the municipal agency, whilst others are leased from private operators.

“Previously we held a meeting with DLH regarding trucks unfit to collect rubbish on Surabaya’s streets. At that time it was explained that some trucks belonged to DLH and others were leased from private operators,” Fathoni said in a written statement on Wednesday (11 March 2026).

Nevertheless, Fathoni stressed that ownership status cannot justify neglecting the roadworthiness of operational vehicles.

“Regardless, whether leased or municipally owned, their condition must be monitored,” he said.

According to Fathoni, it would be anomalous if the city government continues using unfit vehicles whilst the Transport Office regularly conducts operations against other vehicles deemed non-compliant with standards.

“It makes no sense for the Transport Office to conduct raids on unroadworthy vehicles, whilst on the other hand the city government allows unfit waste collection trucks to continue operating,” he remarked.

Fathoni also believes that the condition of the unfit fleet damages Surabaya’s reputation as a clean and orderly city.

“Besides damaging the city’s appearance, it also becomes a reflection of the municipal government’s image before the public,” he noted.

For this reason, Fathoni requested that DLH ensure waste collection vehicles are genuinely roadworthy, either through new procurement or by leasing vehicles that meet operational standards.

“If unable to purchase, at least lease trucks that are suitable for waste collection operations,” he added.

In addition to the fleet, Fathoni also raised concerns about facilities at Benowo landfill, which he believes should include vehicle wheel-washing equipment. This is important to prevent trucks leaving the disposal site from carrying waste that could contaminate roads.

“There must be a wheel-washing facility at Benowo landfill so that when leaving the disposal site the tyres are clean and do not damage roads,” he explained.

Fathoni hopes that incidents involving unfit waste collection trucks that have gone viral will not happen again in Surabaya.

“We hope that after Eid, there will be no more trucks unfit for collecting rubbish from transfer stations to the landfill,” he stated.

Fathoni also stressed there should be no tolerance for operating vehicles that have exceeded their operational lifespan. According to the Road Traffic and Land Transport Law, the maximum operational period for trucks is 15 years.

“Trucks over 15 years of age should no longer be used, especially if funded using the municipal budget,” he asserted.

If long-term contracts still exist with service providers, Fathoni demanded the city government immediately evaluate and even terminate such contracts so that better-equipped vehicles are deployed.

“If the contract period is still long, it must be evaluated and even terminated so that the provider introduces newer vehicles,” he concluded.