DKI Jakarta operates 24-hour command post to prevent fires at Bantargebang TPST
The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has activated a 24-hour rotating disaster command post as part of efforts to anticipate fires at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Treatment Plant (TPST) during the dry season.
Head of the DKI Jakarta Environment Agency, Dudi Gardesi Asikin, stated on Wednesday that the assignment of duty personnel was formalised through a disaster standby duty letter to ensure routine field monitoring, personnel readiness, and the continuous availability of mitigation facilities.
All heavy equipment, including excavators and bulldozers, has also been confirmed to be in prime condition and on standby around the clock. The machinery is essential for localising affected areas, creating access for handling operations, and assisting in controlling any fires that may break out in the landfill zone.
“The Integrated Waste Management Unit (UPST) ensures that personnel, heavy equipment, and supporting facilities are in a state of readiness. In handling potential fires in the landfill area, the speed of detection and the ability to localise the area are crucial to prevent the situation from spreading,” Dudi said.
He noted that hot and dry weather can increase the potential for fire hotspots in waste processing areas, making strengthened prevention, supervision, and emergency response measures essential.
Regarding water supply readiness, the provincial government has ensured that water reservoirs, storage ponds, and tanker fleet support remain prepared. The Bantargebang TPST currently has hydrant points located in the Merah Putih Waste-to-Energy Plant (PLTSa) and RDF Bantargebang areas. Water supply support is continuously being reinforced through coordination and additional field preparations.
Furthermore, supervision of activities within the TPST Bantargebang area has been tightened. UPST has prohibited all forms of waste burning within the landfill and surrounding areas, intensified awareness campaigns for workers and the local community, installed no-smoking banners, enforced a smoking ban for scavengers, drivers, and officers, and restricted access for unauthorised external parties.
To support initial fire suppression if hotspots are detected, the DKI Jakarta Environment Agency has ensured the readiness of firefighting facilities and infrastructure, including water pumps, hoses, light fire extinguishers (APAR), water storage ponds, water tanks, fire engines, water tankers, and spray steam vehicles.
Periodic spraying and watering of landfill zones are also being carried out as part of risk control measures during the dry season.
The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government continues to coordinate with the DKI Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency (Gulkarmat), the DKI Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the police, local government authorities, and other disaster management agencies. This coordination includes strengthening training, conducting firefighting simulation exercises for Bantargebang TPST officers, and reinforcing standby personnel support in the event of an emergency.
“We want to ensure that every potential risk is controlled at its source. Therefore, there must be no waste burning, smoking activities in vulnerable areas are strictly regulated, and access for unauthorised external parties is restricted. The safety of officers, the surrounding community, and service sustainability are our priorities,” Dudi stressed.