Waste Accumulation in Sunter, North Jakarta, Overflows onto Road, Causing Frequent Traffic Jams

JAKARTA — Waste accumulation at the temporary disposal site (TPS) in RW 09 Sunter Jaya, Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, specifically on Jalan Sunter Kemayoran, frequently overflows to cover half of the roadway.

Local resident Muhammad Kholil, 57, stated that the situation is severe, noting that the overflowing waste must be pushed back using an excavator. “The condition is truly bad. It covers half the road; it has to be pushed back,” Kholil said at the location on Monday (18/05/2026). He added that the overflow often causes traffic congestion in the afternoons.

According to another resident, Aswal, this has occurred multiple times as waste continues to pile up at the disposal site. The worst situation occurred on Sunday (17/05/2026), when the waste pile covered the lane divider markings on Jalan Sunter Kemayoran. “Yesterday, Sunday, half the road was consumed by waste. Even the road markings were covered,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Yanto, 40, a local trader, explained that waste collection activities also occasionally disrupt the flow of traffic. “Because it is right by the roadside, the frequent parking of collection vehicles causes disruptions. If possible, the location should be moved so it does not interfere,” he added.

Waste piles at the RW 9 Sunter Jaya disposal site have reportedly reached heights of three metres. Observations at the site revealed that the accumulation consists of rotting food scraps, such as eggs and rice, alongside plastics, styrofoam, and dry leaves. An unpleasant odour from the site can be detected from approximately 15 metres away.