From upstream to downstream, KLH opens the opportunity to trap regional heads regarding waste

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Environment (KLH) opened the possibility of further law enforcement against other local governments related to waste management, following the case in TPST Bantargebang.

Deputy Head of Law Enforcement (Gakkum) KLH/Environmental Control Agency (BPLH) Rizal Irawan said his party would investigate the practice of waste management in various areas, not only at the final disposal site (TPA), but also from the initial stage of management.

"Waste management must be carried out from upstream to downstream. Each party, whether individuals, businesses, or governments, must ensure management according to standards until it ends at the landfill," he said in a press conference in Jakarta, Antara, Tuesday, April 21.

According to him, law enforcement does not only refer to Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management, but also Law Number 18 of 2008 concerning Waste Management.

This became the basis for the determination of the former Head of the DKI Jakarta Environment Service with the initials AK as a suspect in the waste management case in Bantargebang.

AK is suspected of not managing waste according to standards, which leads to health problems, environmental pollution, and even causing casualties. The landslide of garbage in TPST Bantargebang in March 2026 is known to have killed seven people.

Rizal emphasized that it was not impossible that law enforcement would reach other officials in the region, even up to the regional head, if sufficient evidence was found.

"Whoever is responsible will be seen from the facts and evidence available," he said.

Previously, in February 2026, the KLH had investigated around 40 landfills in various areas that still applied open dumping or open waste disposal practices. In addition to Bantargebang, similar cases were also found at the Suwung landfill, which is currently undergoing legal proceedings.