About the Bekasi Dumpsite

In Bekasi, on the outskirts of Jakarta, is the largest garbage dump in Indonesia. 1087 hectares of trash arrive every day from throughout West Java. And for 24 hours every day, 3000 scavengers work there; 1000 of them are children, some only three years old. The children can earn up to 5000-8000 Pr. (50¢-80¢ US) a week. They usually work in family groupings which earn about $7-$10 US per week for the entire family. The children live at the dump in makeshift shelters assembled from scraps of garbage.
Children face multiple dangers as they dart back and forth turning over fresh trash. Sickness and disease are not the only problems. There is constant danger of getting killed by a bulldozer, falling through the trash and not being able to get out, or being burned by smoldering garbage. Because the work is paid on a piece rate, the atmosphere on the dumpsite is competitive. Children get in fights over plastic bags or metal sticks. The children have no social life outside the dump, as others consider them dirty “untouchables.”

First Look

©2000 ROMANO/Stolen Childhoods

Bekasi, Indonesia
Men, women and children crowd around the unloading bucket in hopes of getting the first look at something to eat, use or sell.

Roaming

©2000 ROMANO/Stolen Childhoods

Bekasi, Indonesia
A young boy at his father’s side scavenges for whatever they might be able to eat or sell.

Father and Son

©2000 ROMANO/Stolen Childhoods

Bekasi, Indonesia
A young boy at his father’s side scavenges for whatever they might be able to eat or sell.

Scanning the Horizon

©2000 ROMANO/Stolen Childhoods

Bekasi, Indonesia
A 14-year-old scans the horizon for trucks bringing in fresh garbage.

A Toddler Screams

©2000 ROMANO/Stolen Childhoods

Bekasi, Indonesia
A toddler screams for her mother who is scavenging at dump for food and things to sell.

Machinery

©2000 ROMANO/Stolen Childhoods

Bekasi, Indonesia
A claw descends upon scavengers.