Indonesia cuts open dumping, pushes faster reduction

 Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said Indonesia has reduced open dumping at landfills to 69 percent in early 2026 from 99 percent in 2025, but must accelerate progress to meet its national target.

He said the government aims to further cut open dumping to 63.4 percent, requiring faster implementation of waste management reforms across regions.

“Eliminating open dumping at all final disposal sites, including in major cities, is essential for public and environmental safety,” Hanif said during a visit to Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, on Thursday.

He cited a recent landslide at the Bantargebang landfill in West Java that killed seven workers as evidence of the risks posed by poor waste management practices.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder that open dumping is not only illegal but also directly endangers human lives,” he said.

In 2025, the Environment Ministry imposed administrative sanctions on 344 landfill sites across districts and cities for continuing open dumping practices.

In January 2026, the ministry’s law enforcement unit sanctioned an additional 23 landfill operators for similar violations.

Hanif said authorities will not tolerate open dumping by local governments or private operators, warning violators face penalties under the 2008 Waste Management Law.

“All legal instruments are ready to be enforced to end open dumping,” he said.

He noted the 2008 law had targeted eliminating the practice within five years, but by 2025 open dumping still accounted for 99 percent of landfill operations.

The decline to 69 percent in early 2026 marks initial progress, though significant challenges remain in meeting national targets.

To accelerate progress, the government is strengthening integrated waste management, including expanding landfill capacity, improving processing technology, and tightening regulatory oversight at the regional level.

Authorities are also promoting innovation through modern technology, community participation, education campaigns, outreach, and incentives for environmentally sustainable waste practices.

Hanif said eliminating open dumping reflects not only regulatory compliance but also Indonesia’s commitment to public safety, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability.

“Every region must act quickly and responsibly to meet the targets,” he said.

He added that coordination, consistent enforcement, and public participation are critical to eliminating the remaining 69 percent of open dumping by end-2026 and building a safer, modern waste management system.