22 Residents Near Jatiwaringin Landfill Affected by ISPA Receive Medical Assistance

Bupati of Tangerang, Moch Maesyal Rasyid, reported that 22 residents living near the Jatiwaringin landfill fire in Mauk are receiving ongoing medical assistance for acute respiratory infections (ISPA) caused by smoke inhalation. “Out of over a hundred residents who showed symptoms of ISPA, 22 are still being treated by health workers from the Tangerang District Health Office,” said Bupati Maesyal in Tangerang on Sunday. He stated that according to data from the local health office, a total of 154 residents experienced symptoms of respiratory infection. Of that number, 22 are currently undergoing periodic medical treatment. “Previously there were over a hundred, now the number has decreased to 22 who still have ISPA,” he said. Maesyal added that the local government continues to handle the situation through supervision by health workers to provide a sense of safety and comfort to the affected community. “The Health Office and community health centres are going door-to-door, visiting the homes of residents who have not evacuated to the posts for check-ups,” he said. As part of the government’s response, two emergency posts have been established as shelters for residents affected by the smoke from the Jatiwaringin landfill. “The first evacuation post is in Tanjakan Mekar, located at the village office. The second is in Rajeg Mulya Village. Both are now operational,” he said. He noted that hundreds of residents have been evacuated to the shelters by joint officers from the Regional Disaster Management Agency and the Indonesian National Armed Forces/Police. “Some stayed for one night, some for two nights. But now they have returned to their respective homes,” he concluded. Head of the Tangerang District Health Office, Hendra Tarmizi, added that 50 medical personnel have been deployed to serve residents affected by the smoke from the Jatiwaringin landfill fire. “Initially, we only had a dozen personnel, but now we have increased it to 50, with additional staff from nearby community health centres in the disaster area,” he said. The deployment of dozens of medical teams is necessary as the smoke from the burning waste material is increasingly disturbing residential areas and impacting the health of nearby residents. Hendra also reported that the total number of residents seeking treatment at the emergency posts has nearly reached 200, with the majority complaining of acute respiratory infections. The data shows that most of those seeking treatment for respiratory issues are pregnant women, children, and adults. The local government’s medical team has provided maximum and continuous treatment to these patients. “The total number of people treated, including all services, is now between 154 and 200 residents,” he said. The main focus of the medical response is to prevent ISPA from worsening into pneumonia, especially among vulnerable groups such as toddlers and the elderly, given the high risk of fatality if pneumonia is treated too late. “We strongly advise the public to avoid exposure to ISPA. Avoid the smoke. If exposure is unavoidable, wear a mask,” Hendra said.