Fire Breaks Out at Jatibarang Landfill in Semarang, Seven Fire Engines Deployed

Waste pickers were seen rescuing their belongings during a fire at the Jatibarrang Landfill (TPA) Zone 1, Semarang, Central Java, on Wednesday (30/09/2026). The fire was reported to have started around 18:04 WIB and subsequently spread from Zone 1 through to Zone 2 and Zone 3. The Semarang City Fire Department deployed seven units of fire engines and approximately 50 personnel to manage the growing flames.

Local residents witnessed the fire consuming piles of waste at the Jatibarang Landfill Zone 1. Extinguishing the fire in this area requires specialised methods, as hotspots can be located deep within the waste mounds. Officers utilised heavy machinery to stir the materials, allowing them to locate hidden embers and douse them with water.

As the fire raged, the daily activities of waste pickers, who rely on the site to find recyclable goods, were severely disrupted. Field officers also faced significant challenges, as the high methane content within the waste piles necessitated extreme caution during the firefighting process.

The fire, which broke out at approximately 18:04 WIB, has caused significant disruption to the community of waste pickers operating in the area. In the midst of the firefighting efforts, many individuals struggled to salvage their tools and belongings from the affected zones.