Residents and traders reported uncollected waste piling up at Flamboyan Market in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on Monday morning. They said collectors had not removed the rubbish for two to three days, creating strong odors and disrupting trade. Residents urged city authorities to restore sanitation and prevent health and environmental risks.

PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—Residents have reported piles of uncollected waste at Flamboyan Market in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. This issue is raising concerns about sanitation and comfort at one of the city’s busy public trading areas.

The waste remained visible on Monday morning, July 20. Residents said the responsible service had not collected it for approximately two to three days.

Traders and shoppers complained that unpleasant odors from the rubbish were disrupting commercial activity. They urged the market management and relevant Pontianak municipal agencies to remove the waste immediately and restore cleanliness.

The initial report did not explain why collection had stopped or identify the agency responsible for the delay. It also did not include an official response from the Pontianak Environment Agency or the market management as of the time of publication.

Traditional markets produce substantial amounts of organic waste from vegetables, fruit, meat and other fresh food. When workers leave this waste uncollected, it can decompose quickly. The waste produces strong odors and attracts insects or rodents, particularly in Pontianak’s hot and humid climate.

The complaint comes as Pontianak continues to face broader pressure on its waste-management system. On July 10, the Pontianak City Administration reported that residents generated approximately 411.96 tonnes of waste per day. However, the city’s waste-management capacity stood at around 25%.

Environment Agency Head Syarif Usmulyono said the situation required faster action. This would prevent additional pressure on the Batu Layang final disposal facility.

The municipal government plans to expand waste sorting and processing through reduce-reuse-recycle facilities (TPS3R) before sending residual waste to the landfill. According to the Pontianak City administration, this expansion is in progress.

The Pontianak has also introduced a specific cleanliness-service levy for Flamboyan Market. Pontianak Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono signed Circular No. 24.1/2026 concerning the obligation to pay the market’s sanitation service fee on April 6. Moreover, the regulation identifies the environment agency as its initiating authority.

The existence of a dedicated sanitation levy adds urgency to residents’ calls for consistent and accountable waste collection.

Residents expect officials to inspect the site and determine why the collection schedule was interrupted. They want officials to remove the accumulated rubbish without further delay. A prompt response would protect public hygiene. It would allow traders and customers to conduct business in a cleaner and safer environment.