Waste pickers work at Indonesia's largest landfill

Waste pickers at Indonesia’s Bantargebang landfill, the country’s largest, face growing uncertainty as the government moves to restrict open dumping and overhaul its waste management practices. The site, located in Bekasi, has long served as a critical economic lifeline for thousands of informal workers who sift through mountains of trash to sell recyclable materials. With new regulations targeting unregulated waste disposal, many fear they will lose access to this resource, threatening their ability to support themselves and their families. The changes come amid broader efforts to address Jakarta’s mounting waste crisis. Bantargebang, which stands over 60 metres high, symbolizes both the scale of the city’s waste accumulation and the limitations of current waste management systems. Authorities have announced plans to shut down hundreds of illegal open-dumping sites and enforce stricter segregation of recyclables before waste reaches landfills. These measures aim to improve environmental conditions and reduce pollution, but they also raise concerns among waste pickers who rely on these sites for their daily incomes. For years, waste pickers have operated under precarious conditions, often working in hazardous environments with little protection. They collect plastics, metals, paper, and other materials, selling them to recycling cooperatives or middlemen. This informal sector supports tens of thousands of individuals, including many from marginalized communities. However, the proposed reforms could drastically alter their work environment, potentially forcing them to seek alternative employment or face financial hardship. Local officials have acknowledged the need for systemic change but emphasize that the transition must include social safeguards. Community leaders and waste pickers argue that any policy shift should incorporate training programs, job creation initiatives, and support structures to help displaced workers adapt. Without such provisions, the reforms risk exacerbating poverty and inequality among those already vulnerable. The government’s push for improved waste management reflects growing public pressure to tackle environmental degradation. Jakarta, one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing cities, struggles with inadequate infrastructure to handle its increasing waste output. Open dumping has contributed to air and water pollution, while poor waste segregation has reduced the efficiency of recycling processes. By enforcing stricter rules, authorities hope to promote cleaner urban living and more sustainable waste handling. Despite the potential benefits, the implementation of these changes faces logistical and social hurdles. Many waste pickers lack formal contracts or legal recognition, making them susceptible to exploitation and exclusion from official programs. Some fear that the government’s focus on modernizing waste systems will overlook the human cost of such transitions. Meanwhile, local businesses and recycling cooperatives remain divided on how best to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. As the government prepares to roll out its new waste management policies, the fate of Bantargebang’s waste pickers hangs in the balance. Their survival depends not only on the success of environmental reforms but also on whether policymakers can ensure that the needs of those who sustain these systems are addressed. For now, the landfill continues to serve as both a symbol of the city’s waste crisis and a testament to the resilience of its informal workforce.