“Today, waste pickers across Indonesia are united in mourning and calling for global solidarity as they face a dire challenge. The Indonesian government has made the shocking decision to shut down 343 dumpsites, a move that threatens to uproot the livelihoods of over 600,000 waste pickers and their families. In this critical moment, we urge the Indonesian government to engage with waste pickers before proceeding with these closures. We also invite the International Alliance of Waste Pickers to stand with us and urge our government to listen to our voices,” expressed Pris Polly, Chairman of the Perkumpulan Pemulung Indonesia Mandiri- Ikatan Pemulung Indonesia (PPIM-IPI).
This rallying cry came during a visit from a delegation of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP), led by Treasurer Maditlhare Koena and including Krishna, Vice President of Thyajya Shramika Sangha (TSS) from Bengaluru, and General Secretary Kabir Arora. They were joined by allies such as Prof. Melanie Samson from the University of Johannesburg and Bianca Fernandes, Policy Advocate of Hasiru Dala.
Their visit took them to the PPIM-IPI office in Bantar Gebang, the largest dumpsite in Southeast Asia, where more than 6,000 waste pickers labour daily. The delegation also visited the waste pickers community of Pinang Ranti Village. During this learning exchange, the Indonesian waste pickers shared the fears surrounding their livelihoods, detailing their essential work of door-to-door collection, and material recovery. They also learned about successful organising strategies from the South African Waste Pickers Association (SAWPA) and the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO).
Maditlhare Koena passionately assured the Indonesian waste pickers, “We will carry your concerns into every corner of the world. The IAWP stands unwaveringly in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Indonesia.”
The gathering echoed with voices from the PPIM-IPI leadership, including General Secretary Arsan Bakri, Area Leader Mr Bendi, and waste pickers like Mrs Wiwin, Mr Marna, Mrs Fitri, Mr Imam, Mr Zaenudin, and Mr Nalim, among others. They engaged in meaningful dialogue, supported by the interpretation of Irma Nurhayati, Mario from Owlingua and Abdul Ghofar from Walhi. IAWP deeply thanks Owlingua and Walhi for their generous support in this crucial exchange.
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