Sunter Jaya Transforms Illegal Dumpsite into Green Space

A temporary waste disposal site (TPS) at RW 09, located in front of the Astra Honda Motor Factory on Jalan Sunter Kemayoran, Sunter Jaya, Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, has been cleaned and converted into a park to improve the area’s cleanliness and aesthetics.

This location recently went viral due to a massive buildup of garbage

Tanjung Priok Sub-district Head, Samsul Rizal Khadafi, stated that the transformation was necessary as the site’s location on a main thoroughfare was highly conspicuous and appeared slum-like, negatively impacting the city’s image.

"This location recently went viral due to a massive buildup of garbage. As of today, all waste has been cleared by a joint task force," he expressed, Wednesday (5/20).

Illegal Dumpsite on Jalan RE Martadinata Transformed into a Park

He explained that the cleanup operation began at dawn, involving approximately 30 personnel from PPSU, Environment Sub-agency, army, and other related agencies.

Once the waste was removed, the area was washed down using a fire truck to eliminate lingering odors and residue.

"After the area was thoroughly cleaned, we immediately began landscaping it with plants to ensure it becomes a park and is no longer used as an illegal dumping ground," Khadafi added.

Tanjung Priok Sub-district Environmental Unit Head, Amir explained that several trucks were deployed, making a total of seven trips to clear the site.

"In total, 140 cubic meters of waste was successfully evacuated from the location," he revealed.

According to him, the waste buildup was partly caused by a recent reduction in the waste disposal quota at the Bantargebang Landfill. To prevent a recurrence, he urged residents to be more proactive in sorting their waste at home.

"Hopefully, residents will realize the importance of separating organic and inorganic waste to reduce the volume of trash brought to temporary collection points," he hoped.

Meanwhile, Sunter Jaya Economy and Development Section Head, Dyah Pertiwi, emphasized that the TPS was originally intended only for residents of RW 09. However, the volume of waste surged as people from other areas began dumping there following the closure or restriction of other collection points.

“This site is now permanently closed. Anyone caught dumping trash here will face sanctions and fines in accordance with existing regulations,” she warned.

As a solution, she continued, RW 09 residents are now directed to dispose of their waste at the TPS located in front of the Water Resources (SDA) Sub-agency Warehouse. A scheduled "drop point" system will be implemented there from 4 PM to 8 PM to prevent waste from piling up on the roadside.

"We have also deployed PPSU personnel to maintain strict daily surveillance at the former site," she concluded.