‘The trash does not stop’: life among the garbage mountains of the world’s biggest city
The Trash Does Not Stop: Life in Jakarta's Giant Landfill
The trash does not stop - On the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia's sprawling capital, a vast expanse of waste stretches toward the horizon. This enormous site, known as Bantar Gebang, covers more than 100 hectares—roughly 247 acres—and stands as the primary dumping ground for the world's largest city. Each day, an unending procession of vehicles delivers fresh refuse to this massive landfill, one of Asia's most significant waste disposal facilities. Thousands of people call the surrounding area home, making their livelihood by sorting through mountains of garbage and collecting items worth reselling.
The landscape presents a striking contrast between appearance and reality. From afar, the waste mounds resemble gentle hills rising from the earth, but closer inspection reveals a harsh environment. A strong, pungent smell fills the tropical air, while dark channels of leachate—contaminated liquid runoff—flow between towering piles of trash. Swarms of flies follow every truck entering the facility. Every single day, approximately 8,000 tons of waste arrive in a fleet of 1,400 distinctive orange trucks, continuously adding to the ever-expanding mountain of garbage.
Workers Who Build Lives from Waste
Among the dedicated workforce is Andi, a 29-year-old picker, and his wife Winah, who is 43. Originally from a nearby village, Winah has worked at the landfill since childhood. Together, the couple earns between 100,000 and 200,000 rupiah each day—approximately AU$8 to AU$16. Though modest, this income meets their family's essential needs.
"Alhamdulillah [Praise be to God], I wouldn't say it's a lot, but it's enough for the children's schooling and for our daily food," he says.
Andi recognizes that the work demands physical strength, but the bonds formed with fellow workers ease the burden. Colleagues share jokes as heavy trucks rumble past in steady streams. When workers spot Aqua-branded water bottles—highly valued for their resale price—they call out with excitement, as these containers fetch more per kilogram than other plastics.
Rustini represents another generation of landfill residents. She has spent over three decades collecting recyclables, driven by a single goal: ensuring her children receive an education and escape the cycle of waste-picking. Her perseverance has yielded remarkable results—one child now works in Taiwan while another prepares to move to Japan. Through dedication and sacrifice, Rustini has secured opportunities for her family that extend far beyond the boundaries of the landfill.
"Everything [for my children] came from here, from even the smallest items of waste. It has provided quality education for my children to fight for their own future."
Night Shifts and Growing Challenges
Karmidi, now 32, started his career at Bantar Gebang at just ten years old. Today, he is a father of two and relies on a hooked pole called a "ganco" to navigate through the trash. He values his independence as a worker, even though the job remains dirty and demanding. Most of his shifts occur at night to escape the intense tropical heat, though darkness brings additional risks from moving bulldozers and excavators.
The landfill faces mounting pressure as Jakarta's population continues to grow. Environmental concerns have intensified, with local communities raising alarms about pollution and health impacts. Despite these challenges, the people of Bantar Gebang remain resilient, finding dignity and purpose in their daily work. The trash may never stop arriving, but neither does the determination of those who call this extraordinary place home.