The Jakarta Environmental Agency has begun the gradual implementation of controlled landfill practices at the Bantargebang Landfill. This strategic move is part of a broader transformation to completely phase out open dumping by 2029.

The transition is being conducted systematically to ensure that waste management services remain uninterrupted while significantly enhancing safety and environmental protection.

The initial phase, set for 2026, focuses on covering disposal areas with protective media, which will later be reinforced with geomembrane layers.

Additionally, the Jakarta government is reorganizing the landfill zones and increasing the proportion of processed waste residue sent to the facility.

Jakarta Environmental Agency Head, Dudi Gardesi stated that these measures are integral to the "Jakarta 100% Managed Waste Roadmap," developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment.

"Our direction is clear and measurable. We are transforming Bantargebang in stages to keep our city’s waste services running smoothly, all while ramping up safety standards and environmental safeguards for everyone involved," he noted, Wednesday (7/22).

The first phase involves a seven-day cycle where disposal areas are systematically covered. This process kicked off at the top of Zone 2 on July 17, 2026.

"As soon as one area is secured and covered, we shift disposal operations to the next prepared site," he explained.

He explained that this alternating pattern allows for seamless operations while providing dedicated windows for covering, organizing, and maintaining the disposal sites.

In the future, the current covering media will be reinforced with geomembranes, which offer superior effectiveness and easier maintenance.

Further, the city has set a strategic target: by August 1, 2026, approximately 25% of the waste sent to Bantargebang must consist of processed residue.

"By doing so, we ensure that a larger portion of waste is sorted and processed beforehand, allowing us to consistently reduce the volume of waste that is directly landfilled," he concluded.

To ensure the safety of the controlled landfill implementation, Dudi explained that his agency has conducted comprehensive mapping of landslide-prone areas, stabilized slopes, and monitored community and scavenger activities. Efforts also include improving sanitation and designing geomembrane covers for disposal zones.

According to the roadmap, the 2027 milestones include applying protective media at two disposal points, with 50% of incoming waste consisting of processed residue. By 2028, this will expand to three disposal points with a 75% residue target, alongside the official closure of inactive landfill zones.

The ultimate goal is set for 2029: 100% of the waste entering Bantargebang Landfill will be processed residue. Reaching this target will allow for the complete cessation of open dumping practices.

Dudi added that the overhaul of Bantargebang is a collective effort. Success depends on reducing and sorting waste right from the source, combined with boosting the city’s processing power.

“More sorting and processing upstream means less burying at the site. We're dedicated to making this vision a reality, turning Bantargebang into a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable space for everyone,” he added.