Deputy Environment Minister Irked as Jatiwaringin Landfill Fire Becomes Public Spectacle
Wakil Menteri Lingkungan Hidup (Wamen LH), Diaz Faisal Malik Hendropriyono, has expressed his frustration that the fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill in Tangerang Regency, Banten, has become a spectacle for local residents. He stressed that the fire is dangerous and should not be treated as a form of entertainment.
Kapolresta Tangerang, Kombes Andi Muhammad Indra Waspada, reported difficulties in managing the situation, noting that police have struggled to control crowds of residents gathering to watch the incident since the first day of operations. Residents claimed that because it is the holiday season, watching the fire serves as a form of entertainment, with some even complaining to officers that they could not afford to go to shopping centres and could only watch the fire.
Despite the resistance, police have established four layered security posts to prevent residents from entering the area. Deputy Minister Diaz urged the public not to turn the disaster into a spectacle, emphasising that the plumes of smoke contain hazardous substances. He warned that the closer residents get to the site, the higher their risk of contracting respiratory illnesses, including acute respiratory infections and potential carcinogenic effects.
Diaz further explained that the fire at Jatiwaringin landfill is more dangerous than peatland fires. While surface flames may appear extinguished, embers and explosive methane gas remain trapped deep within the waste piles. He noted that the presence of methane makes the situation potentially more explosive, requiring more serious handling, especially amid the current El Niño phenomenon.
Thermal drone analysis by the Ministry of Environment indicates that 15 hectares of the 33-hectare landfill have been affected. Mobile monitoring data showed air pollution levels for PM 2.5 and PM 1.0 briefly reached 1,000, far exceeding the healthy threshold of 15.5. The danger radius of the smoke extends between 1.7 and 2.1 kilometres, depending on wind direction. The fire, which has been burning since Tuesday, 30 June 2026, has prompted the Tangerang Regency administration to declare a state of emergency.