Without adequate management, waste can become a significant threat, resulting in serious environmental and health issues. In Bantar Gebang, where large amounts of waste from the Indonesian capital Jakarta are disposed of, numerous scavengers manage to make a living from the waste.
Scavengers are individuals who collect items of economic value from piles of garbage. In Indonesia, scavengers are commonly known as “pemulung.” In Bantar Gebang, thousands of scavengers, including women, depend on the landfill for their livelihood, as they have no other means of income.
At the largest landfill in Indonesia, scavengers work amidst various health and occupational safety hazards. Despite the fatal risks associated with their work, these scavengers are heroes for their families and the environment. This documentary highlights the stories of these unsung heroes.
