PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government is moving quickly to respond to the spike in post-Eid waste volume which is estimated to increase by more than 20 percent compared to normal days.

Waste management is now a top priority to maintain the cleanliness and comfort of the city. The Mayor of Bandung emphasized the importance of swift steps in handling this condition, especially at critical points such as traditional markets and Temporary Disposal Sites (TPS).

"The spike in waste volume after Eid needs to be handled strategically. We found piles of up to 1,120 cubic meters at Gedebage Market, and this is a special concern," said the Mayor (4/22/2025).

He emphasized that an investigation process would be carried out to trace the cause of the backlog and take firm action against negligent parties.

Several TPSs were also temporarily closed in turns to be emptied, considering that the waste processing capacity is still limited.

This has triggered the formation of a number of waste collection points (tikum) in various locations.

"This step requires fast coordination. We ask RT, RW, sub-districts, and districts to report actively so that handling can be done immediately," he said.

From the monitoring results in 19 traditional markets, Gedebage Market was recorded as the location with the highest volume, followed by TPS Ciwastra with around 500 cubic meters which is targeted to be completed within 10 days.

As part of the medium-term solution, the Bandung City Government is taking three main steps:
1. Re-registering waste volumes from various sources, such as households, markets and public facilities.
2. Rotating closure of TPS for the emptying process and control of accumulation.
3. Acceleration of operationalization of technology-based waste processing facilities, such as Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and thermal treatment, starting April 25, 2025.

"The processing facilities in Tegalega, Cicukang Holis, and Bandung Kulon are not sufficient. Therefore, this acceleration is very important to reduce the pile," said the Mayor.

On the other hand, the City Government is also intensifying efforts to reduce waste from upstream through the Kang Pisman and Buruan SAE programs, by involving PKK cadres as the spearhead of the movement at the community level.

The target for adding Waste-Free Areas (KBS) has also been set to increase from 413 to 700 locations by the end of 2025. This program targets all 1,597 RW in the city of Bandung.

"We encourage collaboration from all parties so that Bandung can solve the waste problem completely, from upstream to downstream," he concluded. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/Fauziah)