Residents threaten protests as uncollected garbage piles up in Batam neighborhoods.
Residents in Batam are grappling with a waste crisis as trash remains uncollected for weeks, sparking health concerns and public outcry. Angered by the lack of action, locals are threatening to deliver their garbage directly to the Environment Agency’s (DLH) offices in protest.
Residents in Batam’s Legenda Malaka and Kelurahan Patam Lestari neighborhoods face a severe garbage crisis. With waste uncollected for nearly two weeks, locals are voicing frustration over the inaction of the city’s Environment Agency (DLH). The issue has caused health concerns and disrupted daily life.
In Legenda Malaka, uncollected trash has created unsanitary conditions, with foul odors and swarms of flies invading homes. Parents worry about their children’s safety as the risk of diseases like dengue and diarrhea rises.
Residents’ Growing Frustration
Kang Nurdin, a local resident, expressed his anger over the inaction of waste collection authorities. He stated, “Two weeks without collection is unacceptable. If this continues, we will deliver the trash to DLH ourselves.”
DPRD’s Response to Citizen Complaints
Aweng Kurniawan, Deputy Chair of DPRD Batam, called for immediate action, emphasizing the serious implications of uncollected trash on public health. He promised to summon DLH for an accountability meeting and address suspected mismanagement.
Waste Mismanagement and Alleged Corruption
Investigations revealed alleged illegal fees for out-of-schedule garbage pickups, further enraging residents. Aweng vowed to uncover any corruption and push for a more transparent waste management system.
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Residents demand prompt garbage collection and systemic improvements to ensure consistent waste removal. They also call for better oversight of DLH’s operations to prevent future crises.
This waste crisis highlights the challenges Batam faces as it develops. While Batam remains a popular travel destination, the city’s handling of basic infrastructure and public health issues could influence perceptions of its appeal.
Batam’s residents are protesting a garbage collection crisis that has left waste uncollected for weeks, posing serious health risks. The crisis has prompted threats to deliver trash to government offices and calls for accountability from the Environment Agency (DLH).
Sources: Tribun News, Batam Pos (2025)
Keywords: Batam Waste Crisis, Resident Protests, Government Accountability
