The Indonesian government has set a nationwide deadline of July 2026 for regional authorities to eliminate open dumping practices at landfill sites. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said the policy is intended to strengthen waste governance, reduce environmental risks, and support national waste management targets under the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN). The move also follows safety concerns after a recent landfill landslide incident highlighted the dangers associated with unmanaged waste disposal.
According to the official report, the government has instructed regional administrations to close all open dumping sites by July 2026. Authorities have warned that enforcement measures, including legal action, may be applied to waste management operators that fail to comply with the new policy.
Safety Risks Driving Policy Action
Minister Hanif emphasised that the continued use of open dumping sites presents serious environmental and public safety risks. The warning follows a landslide at the Bantargebang landfill that resulted in seven fatalities, underscoring the potential consequences of poorly managed waste facilities.
Closing these sites forms part of broader national efforts to improve environmental governance and sustainable urban management. Similar priorities are reflected in initiatives highlighted in Indonesia’s push for smart technologies and innovation to support sustainability, where digital and technological tools are increasingly being applied to environmental monitoring and infrastructure management.
Waste Management Performance and Current Challenges
Indonesia currently manages approximately 26 percent of its national waste output. Officials estimate that eliminating open dumping practices could raise this figure to 57.75 percent if the transition is successfully implemented.
Data from the Ministry of Environment shows that the country generates around 141,926 tonnes of waste daily. Of this amount, roughly 37,001 tonnes are currently managed through formal systems.
Most of the managed waste is transported to landfill sites, accounting for about 15,189 tonnes per day. Another 9,450 tonnes are handled by the informal waste sector. Additional processing occurs through composting facilities, recycling centres operating under the reduce–reuse–recycle (3R) model, and community-based waste banks.
Expanding Waste Processing Technologies
Alongside the closure of open dumping sites, the government is also intensifying efforts to address illegal landfill operations, particularly in major urban areas where waste volumes are highest.
To strengthen long-term waste treatment capacity, Indonesia is developing waste-to-energy facilities known locally as Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Sampah (PSEL) in 33 locations across the country. Additional technologies being promoted include refuse-derived fuel (RDF) systems and expanded composting infrastructure.
These initiatives reflect broader national efforts to modernise public services and infrastructure. The role of innovation and technology in addressing systemic challenges has also been explored in areas such as digital transformation and resilience planning, including discussions on how Indonesia is balancing technological growth with institutional readiness.
By combining regulatory enforcement, infrastructure investment, and new processing technologies, the government aims to significantly improve the country’s waste management performance while reducing environmental and safety risks associated with landfill operations.
