As fireworks faded and the first dawn of 2025 broke over Jakarta, the city’s beloved Kota Tua district was left buried under a mountain of discarded plastic and packaging. More than 29,000 revellers flocked to this historic site for New Year’s Eve festivities, leaving behind a trail of waste that highlights ongoing challenges in urban waste management.
The scene at Kota Tua, a cultural gem in West Jakarta known for its colonial architecture and vibrant pedestrian paths, was one of stark contrast. While families and tourists had gathered to watch spectacular fireworks, the aftermath revealed heaps of litter strewn from Fatahillah Park to the Jakarta Kota train station. Plastic food wrappers, drink containers, and other debris cluttered the walkways, drawing both scavengers seeking recyclables and weary cleaning crews tasked with restoration.
Local authorities, led by the West Jakarta Environmental Agency, mobilised around 300 personnel to tackle the cleanup, which began shortly after 1am on New Year’s Day. This annual ritual underscores the pressures on Jakarta’s infrastructure as the city swells with celebrations. In previous years, similar events have generated significant waste volumes, with last year’s festivities reportedly leaving about 12.8 tonnes of rubbish in the area alone. 
The issue extends beyond mere aesthetics. Kota Tua, a Unesco-recognised heritage site, attracts millions of visitors annually, boosting local economies through tourism. However, the recurring waste problem raises questions about sustainability in a rapidly urbanising metropolis. Jakarta, home to over 10 million people, grapples with waste management on a daily basis, where improper disposal contributes to pollution in rivers and canals. Environmental groups have long called for better public awareness campaigns and investment in recycling facilities to mitigate such impacts.
On the ground, scavengers played a vital role in the informal economy, sifting through the mess for valuable materials. These workers, often from marginalised communities, help recycle a portion of the waste, though their efforts cannot keep pace with the sheer volume generated during peak events. Meanwhile, agency head Achmad Hariadi confirmed the deployment of staff, stating in a report by Antara news agency: “We had a meeting with the West Jakarta mayor, and we have prepared 300 personnel to clean up the trash.”
This year’s cleanup comes amid broader efforts by the Jakarta administration to promote eco-friendly practices. Initiatives such as designated waste bins and public education drives have been introduced, but their effectiveness remains inconsistent. For global readers, Kota Tua represents more than a tourist spot; it is a living museum of Indonesia’s colonial past, blending Dutch-era buildings with modern cultural events. The waste issue, therefore, not only affects local residents but also tarnishes the site’s appeal to international visitors.
In summary, while New Year’s celebrations bring joy and community spirit, they expose vulnerabilities in Jakarta’s environmental framework. As the city looks ahead, balancing festivity with responsibility will be key to preserving its heritage.
