Bantar Gebang, Jakarta's largest landfill, spans over 100 hectares and serves as both a dumping ground and a livelihood for thousands of waste pickers.The site, already over capacity, faces closure by 2027 as Indonesia's government seeks to transition to waste-to-energy solutions.Workers like Rasta and Andi navigate hazardous conditions, salvaging recyclables to support their families.

The landfill's closure raises urgent concerns about alternative waste management strategies, as burning waste and open dumping face growing opposition.

Environmentalists warn that without viable solutions, the city's waste crisis could worsen, with potential impacts on public health and ecosystems.

The government's plan to phase out open dumping and establish sorting facilities highlights the complex balance between economic survival and environmental sustainability.However, challenges remain, including the high costs of new infrastructure and the lack of widespread waste segregation practices in Indonesia.The situation underscores the human cost of urban waste management and the need for systemic change.