PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government is preparing various alternative steps to handle the waste problem after its application for emergency waste status to the West Java Provincial Government was not approved.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan emphasized that waste management remains a priority and must continue even without emergency status.

"If the application is not approved, we will find another way. This waste problem must be resolved; it cannot be postponed," said Farhan at Bandung City Hall on Tuesday (June 2, 2026).

Farhan explained that Bandung is currently the only city in West Java without its own final disposal site (TPA). This situation means that waste management still relies on the Sarimukti TPA, which falls under the authority of the West Java Provincial Government.

This dependency has an impact on the limited authority of the Bandung City Government in managing and transporting waste, including regarding quotas and permits for waste disposal.

As a short-term solution, the Bandung City Government welcomes the support of the West Java Provincial Government, which plans to provide waste processing machines in every sub-district.

"We welcome the assistance from the provincial government. The plan is to have processing machines in every sub-district. Whatever form it takes, we are ready to accept and optimize it," said Farhan.

Furthermore, the Bandung City Government is continuing to explore the possibility of establishing a large-scale waste processing facility or its own landfill as a long-term solution. Currently, these efforts are in the location search and licensing stages.

According to Farhan, the existence of integrated waste processing facilities remains a crucial need because the waste from processing still requires an adequate final disposal site.

Meanwhile, the Bandung City Government continues to strengthen community-based waste management through a waste sorting program at source, known as the Home Waste Sorting Movement (Gaslah). Public participation in this program has shown an increasing trend.

"Previously, only about 10 houses per neighborhood association (RT) were sorting, but this has now increased to 20. Our target is at least 60 houses per RT," he said.

Despite showing positive progress, this achievement still falls short of the established target of 30 percent. Therefore, public education remains a key strategy for encouraging changes in waste management behavior.

Farhan added that regulations regarding sanctions for littering are already in place. However, their implementation has not yet been a primary focus, as the government continues to prioritize a persuasive and educational approach.

"We prioritize education. Changing people's behavior can't happen instantly; it has to be gradual," he said.

He is optimistic that the waste problem in Bandung City can be addressed gradually and sustainably through infrastructure strengthening, support from local and provincial governments, and active community participation.

"We will continue to do our best. This is a joint effort that requires collaboration from all parties," he said.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service /bhf)