Bekasi, Indonesia – The death toll from a massive landslide at the Bantar Gebang landfill in Bekasi City, Indonesia, has risen to five, authorities confirmed Monday. Rescue efforts continue as teams search for additional individuals believed to be missing following the disaster that occurred on Sunday afternoon.
The latest victim was discovered around 12:05 WIB (Western Indonesian Time) on Monday and has been transported to the Kramat Jati Police Hospital for identification, according to Ramli Prasetyo, a spokesperson for the Jakarta Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). “The victim was found and immediately taken to RS Polri Kramat Jati for the identification process,” Prasetyo stated. The ongoing search and rescue operation involves multiple agencies, including the police, military, and volunteers, utilizing heavy equipment to sift through the debris.
Landslide Buries Workers and Structures
The landslide occurred at approximately 2:00 PM local time on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Bantar Gebang Integrated Waste Management Facility (TPST). Witnesses reported hearing shouts before a large section of the landfill collapsed, engulfing nearby shops and several garbage trucks. According to Bekasi City Police Chief Kombes Kusumo, “Witnesses heard residents shouting about a landslide, then saw mountains of garbage suddenly collapse, blocking the road and hitting shops and several garbage trucks.” The incident prompted an immediate response from security personnel stationed at the landfill, who quickly alerted authorities.
The Bantar Gebang landfill is one of the largest in Southeast Asia, receiving thousands of tons of waste daily from Jakarta. The facility has been the subject of scrutiny in the past due to concerns about environmental impact and safety standards. The sheer volume of waste accumulated over years, coupled with recent heavy rainfall, is believed to have contributed to the instability of the landfill slopes, ultimately triggering the devastating landslide. The area is known for its challenging terrain and the constant accumulation of waste, making rescue operations particularly challenging.
Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts
As of Monday afternoon, authorities confirmed five fatalities and four survivors. Five individuals remain unaccounted for, and search teams are working tirelessly to locate them. The operation is hampered by the unstable nature of the remaining waste pile and the risk of further collapses. Heavy machinery, including excavators, is being used to carefully remove layers of garbage, while search dogs are deployed to detect any signs of life. The Jakarta Basarnas team is coordinating the search efforts, providing logistical support and specialized equipment.
Desiana Kartika Bahari, Head of the Jakarta SAR Agency, provided further details on the recovery of the latest victim. According to a report from Kompas.tv, the body was found approximately 5 meters from a truck discovered the previous night. Authorities suspect the victim may have been a truck driver. “From the condition of the distance, from the truck that was found (last night), it wasn’t far, about 5 meters,” Bahari explained. The recovered body has been sent to RS Polri Kramat Jati for identification.
Identified Victims
Authorities have so far identified four of the five victims as Enda Widayanti (25), Sumine (60), Dedi Sutrisno, and Irwan Suprihatin (42). The identity of the fifth victim is pending confirmation from forensic analysis at the hospital. The process of identifying the victims is complicated by the nature of the landslide and the condition of the recovered bodies. Authorities are urging family members of missing persons to provide information and DNA samples to assist with the identification process.
According to data from Jakarta Basarnas, a total of 13 people were affected by the landslide, with five confirmed deaths, four survivors, and five still missing. Officials are continuing to gather information from witnesses and family members to establish a complete list of those impacted by the disaster. The search area remains active, and authorities are appealing to the public to avoid the area to allow rescue teams to operate effectively.
Concerns Over Landfill Management
The Bantar Gebang landslide has reignited concerns about the management of waste disposal in Jakarta and the surrounding areas. The facility has long been criticized for its inadequate safety measures and environmental impact. The incident has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of waste management practices and infrastructure. Kenneth, a member of the DKI Jakarta Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), has reportedly urged a total evaluation of Jakarta’s waste management system, according to DetikNews.
The sheer scale of waste processed at Bantar Gebang, combined with the lack of proper stabilization techniques, has created a precarious situation. Experts have warned that the landfill is vulnerable to further landslides, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The incident underscores the urgent need for investment in modern waste management technologies and infrastructure to ensure the safety of workers and nearby communities. The long-term sustainability of waste disposal in Jakarta is also a growing concern, as the Bantar Gebang landfill is nearing its capacity.
The area surrounding the landfill has been temporarily closed to allow rescue operations to continue unimpeded. Authorities have established a command post near the site to coordinate the response and provide information to the public. The Indonesian government has pledged to provide assistance to the victims and their families, as well as to support the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the search and rescue operation and the investigation into the cause of the landslide in the coming days. The focus remains on locating the missing individuals and ensuring the safety of the surrounding communities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with inadequate waste management practices and the importance of prioritizing safety and environmental sustainability.
The next official update from the Jakarta Basarnas is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 10:00 WIB. Readers are encouraged to share this information and to follow official channels for the latest developments. Your comments and insights are welcome below.