Palembang to Enforce Strict Fines for Littering

RRI.CO.ID, Palembang - In a major crackdown on urban pollution, the Palembang City Administration is set to enforce strict penalties for littering, introducing a maximum fine of IDR 500,000 (USD 31.25) starting May 15, 2026, aims to transform the capital of South Sumatra into a cleaner city by strictly upholding Local Regulation (Perda) No. 3/2020.

Palembang Mayor, Ratu Dewa, emphasized that the move is designed to heighten public awareness and close the gap between legislation and reality. "We have had these regulations since 2015 and 2020, yet implementation on the ground has not been optimal. Starting in mid-May, we will truly enforce these rules," said the Mayor in Palembang, South Sumatra on Monday, April 27, 2026.

As quoted by Antara, to ensure full transparency and technical accountability, the administration has consulted with the Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD) and state auditors (BPK and BPKP) regarding the fine collection mechanisms.

The policy introduces a unique blend of financial and moral consequences. Beyond administrative fines, violators may be subjected to social sanctions, such as being mandated to clean houses of worship or repaint public facilities like sidewalks.

To facilitate immediate justice, the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) will deploy specialized vehicles to conduct mobile minor offense hearings (Sidang Tipiring) directly at the sites where violations are detected.

In a bid to foster community surveillance, the city also plans to incentivize whistleblowers. Residents who report individuals dumping waste into rivers or public spaces will be eligible for rewards.

"Members of the public who witness violations can report them and will be given a reward. I have requested a formal decree (SK) to be drafted as a technical basis to ensure the process complies with the law," added Ratu Dewa.

The initiative involves a multi-agency collaboration across all regional administration departments (OPD). By integrating community reporting with mobile judicial enforcement, Palembang aims to eliminate waste mismanagement from its smallest neighborhoods to the heart of the city center. ***