The Jakarta Environment Agency has fined six waste collection companies for illegally transporting or managing garbage, as the capital steps up enforcement amid a growing waste crisis following the gradual closure of its main landfill in neighboring Bekasi, West Java.An investigation launched late last month found that three companies, namely PT Hino Karya Mandiri, PT Cuan International Group and CV Wira Satria Mandiri, had been operating unlicensed garbage trucks. Another company, CV Super Steel Tiga Bersaudara, was found transporting waste to an unauthorized dumpsite.
The four companies, alongside CV Al Ihsaniah, were also found to have illegally sorted or managed waste without the required permits, according to the agency. The five companies were only licensed to transport waste to designated disposal sites.
Jakarta has so far licensed 68 companies to provide waste collection services for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants and coffee shops.
Under a 2013 bylaw on waste management, companies must obtain a separate permit to manage waste after collection to ensure compliance with waste segregation and environmental safety standards. Licensed operators are also required to use authorized garbage trucks. Violations carry fines of between Rp 5 million (US$281) and Rp 10 million.
