Structural neglect and climate stress trigger landfill collapse in Indonesia
Original framing: “5 die in Indonesia as rubbish mound collapses at largest landfill, several missing” — South China Morning Post
Scientific studies show that landfills are highly susceptible to collapse during heavy rainfall due to soil saturation and unstable waste layers. The Bantargebang site was already classified as a high-risk area by environmental scientists.
The Bantargebang landfill collapse is not an isolated incident but a systemic failure rooted in historical patterns of environmental mismanagement, urban sprawl, and climate neglect.
It reflects the consequences of a linear waste model that prioritizes convenience over sustainability and of power structures that marginalize the voices of informal workers and Indigenous communities. By integrating circular economy principles, climate-resilient infrastructure, and traditional knowledge, cities can prevent future disasters while promoting environmental justice. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for systemic reform in waste governance and urban planning, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions of the Global South.