Bantargebang: Janji Kehidupan Lebih Baik di Tengah Gunungan Sampah

Summary

Bantar Gebang, a massive landfill in Indonesia, is not only a symbol of environmental degradation but also a place of survival for over 7,000 scavengers. Despite its toxic environment, the area generates substantial economic activity, with scavengers earning up to Rp100,000 daily by collecting plastic waste. The landfill, which spans over 110 hectares, also supports local businesses, such as small food stalls. Initially a farming area, Bantar Gebang became a dumping ground in the 1980s due to Jakarta’s rising waste issues, now serving as one of the largest plastic waste sites in the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bantar Gebang is a vast landfill in Bekasi, Indonesia, covering hundreds of hectares, and is notorious for its massive plastic waste and environmental pollution.
• 😀 The landfill has become an international focal point after Leonardo DiCaprio highlighted Indonesia's position as the second-largest plastic polluter in the world.
• 😀 Bantar Gebang produces 187.2 million tons of plastic waste annually, with over 1 million tons leaking into the ocean each year.
• 😀 The landfill spans 110.3 hectares and houses 39 million cubic meters of waste, creating a massive site that rivals the height of a 16-story building.
• 😀 Despite the environmental challenges, Bantar Gebang serves as a source of livelihood for over 7,000 waste pickers who collect recyclable materials.
• 😀 Waste pickers, though unofficially employed, can earn up to Rp100,000 daily, with some earning substantial profits through selling plastic waste.
• 😀 The landfill's waste processing system is managed by teams of waste pickers, led by 'bos' (bosses) who coordinate and sell collected materials.
• 😀 Each boss and their team can gather up to 200 tons of plastic waste each month, selling it to recyclers for significant profits (Rp136 million per month).
• 😀 A small but thriving economy exists within Bantar Gebang, with food stalls and vendors catering to the workers, generating daily income for the sellers.
• 😀 The area was once farmland and quarry land but became a landfill in the 1980s due to rapid urban growth and the growing need for waste disposal solutions in Jakarta.

Q & A

What is Bantar Gebang, and why is it significant?

Bantar Gebang is a vast waste disposal site in Indonesia, covering hundreds of hectares. It is significant due to its massive garbage mounds that pollute the air, soil, and water, harming the ecosystem. Despite these challenges, it is also a vital source of income for thousands of informal workers who make a living by collecting and recycling waste.

What was Leonardo DiCaprio's involvement with Bantar Gebang?

Leonardo DiCaprio highlighted the environmental issues in Indonesia, mentioning that the country ranks second in the world for plastic pollution, following China. He raised awareness about the situation, emphasizing that Indonesia generates over 187 million tons of plastic waste annually.

How large is the Bantar Gebang landfill?

The Bantar Gebang landfill spans approximately 110.3 hectares, which is roughly equivalent to 200 football fields. The waste volume currently stands at about 39 million cubic meters, making it a massive environmental concern.

How do waste pickers earn a living in Bantar Gebang?

Over 7,000 waste pickers in Bantar Gebang rely on collecting and recycling waste. On average, they can earn around IDR 100,000 per day by collecting plastic waste. The waste they gather is sold to recyclers, with some team leaders making substantial earnings from this activity.

What role do team leaders play in Bantar Gebang's waste collection process?

Team leaders in Bantar Gebang manage a group of around 30 waste pickers. They organize the collection and sorting of waste, with each team gathering about 200 tons of plastic waste per month. The team leaders earn significant income by selling the collected waste to recyclers.

How much income can waste pickers and team leaders generate?

A team leader in Bantar Gebang can make up to IDR 136 million per month by selling 200 tons of plastic waste. Each waste picker typically earns IDR 100,000 per day, contributing to the total annual turnover of the waste processing industry in Bantar Gebang, which amounts to IDR 150 billion.

What is the role of small shops or stalls within the landfill area?

Small stalls within Bantar Gebang provide essential services to workers and waste pickers. These shops offer food, drinks, and rest areas, making them crucial for workers who spend long hours in the harsh conditions of the landfill. Some shop owners can earn up to IDR 1 million per day, depending on the number of customers.

How did Bantar Gebang become a landfill site?

Bantar Gebang was initially dominated by farmland and excavation sites. However, during the 1980s, the rapid population growth and increased waste in Jakarta led the local government to select this area as the site for a new landfill, following a thorough assessment of other potential locations.

What challenges did the local government face when selecting Bantar Gebang for the landfill?

The local government considered several locations, including Ujung Menteng, but dismissed it due to overcrowding. After further evaluation, they chose Bantar Gebang in Bekasi, as it was more suitable for the waste disposal needs of Jakarta's growing population.

How does the presence of waste affect the people working in Bantar Gebang?

Despite the overwhelming presence of waste, including foul odors and unsanitary conditions, workers in Bantar Gebang, such as waste pickers, operators, and shopkeepers, continue to work in the area. They are accustomed to the environment and are not deterred by the unpleasant conditions, as it provides them with a livelihood.