Air Quality in South Tangerang Monitored Following Pesticide Warehouse Fire
Jakarta - The South Tangerang City Government has taken a number of measures following the fire at a warehouse belonging to PT Biotek Saranatama in South Tangerang that contaminated the Cisadane River. Air quality is now also being monitored in the aftermath of the fire.
“We are currently conducting air quality monitoring,” said South Tangerang Communications and Information Agency Head TB Asep Nurdin when contacted on Sunday (15/2/2026).
Asep said that so far there have been no reports from residents regarding serious health impacts from the odor exposure. Nevertheless, residents near the site have been advised not to spend prolonged periods in areas where the smell is still strong.
“We recommend that mask usage be intensified, especially around the affected area,” he said.
Additionally, the South Tangerang City Government together with relevant agencies have been spreading activated carbon into the Jaletreng River. This is intended to bind remaining chemical residue and prevent hazardous particles from being carried by the current.
“The purpose is to bind remaining chemical residue, accelerate the stabilization process of contaminants in the water, and serve as a preventive measure so that hazardous particles are not carried further by water flow or rain. Further analysis is still underway, and subsequent handling will be adjusted based on examination results and technical recommendations from the relevant team,” he explained.
Asep also urged the public not to fish or consume fish from the river to prevent poisoning. His office is still carrying out various recovery measures.
“This advisory remains in effect until water quality is declared safe through laboratory testing. For residents who feel uncomfortable or have complaints, medical examination services are available at community health centers and health posts. We continue to collect environmental and health data as a basis for decision-making on next steps,” he said.
Previously, the pesticide factory located in Setu District, South Tangerang, caught fire on Monday (9/2). Firefighters even had to use two truckloads of sand to extinguish the fire originating from chemical materials. The fire was only extinguished after seven hours of response efforts.
Contamination Spreads
The Ministry of Environment (KLH) inspected the Cisadane River, which was contaminated by pesticides following the factory fire in the Serpong warehouse district of South Tangerang. The Ministry stated the incident caused contamination along 22.5 kilometers of the river.
According to the Ministry’s statement on Thursday (12/2/2026), contamination in the Cisadane River has reportedly spread up to 22.5 kilometers, covering the areas of South Tangerang City, Tangerang City, and Tangerang Regency.
Identified impacts include the death of various aquatic organisms, such as goldfish, catfish (baung), pangasius, tilapia, and pleco fish.
The Ministry/Environmental Control Agency (BPLH) collected water samples from the upstream and downstream sections of the Cisadane River, as well as ten samples of dead fish for laboratory testing. Further examinations will also be conducted on Jaletreng River water, groundwater, and other aquatic organisms involving toxicology experts.
“We will investigate this case through a series of laboratory tests and scientific studies. For the time being, we urge residents living near the river not to use river water for daily needs as it has the potential to cause skin and eye irritation, as well as respiratory problems if the vapors are inhaled,” said Environment Minister/BPLH Head Hanif Faisol Nurofiq.
Additionally, Hanif reported that approximately 20 tons of pesticides belonging to PT Biotek Saranatama were burned. The pesticides that burned were cypermethrin and profenofos, commonly used to control various crop pests.
“Approximately 20 tons of pesticides were burned, and the firefighting runoff water mixed with chemical residue flowed into and contaminated the river. This condition has a very serious impact on the aquatic ecosystem and surrounding communities,” Hanif said.