Jatibarang Landfill in Semarang Ablaze, Fire Unextinguished After 24 Hours
A land fire occurred at the Jatibarang Final Disposal Site (TPA) in Kedungpane Village, Mijen District, Semarang City, Central Java, on Wednesday (30/9) at approximately 18:04 WIB.
As of Thursday (1/10), the fire has not been fully extinguished, although reports indicate that the fire hotspots are tending to decrease and efforts are ongoing to prevent the fire from spreading further.
“Based on reports from the Central Java Provincial BPBD, the area affected by the fire is estimated to reach approximately 10 hectares and is still being recorded. There are no reports of casualties resulting from the incident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” said the Acting Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre of BNPB, Berton SP Panjaitan, in a written statement on Thursday.
Berton mentioned that the Semarang City BPBD, along with joint teams, is conducting rapid assessments and handling the situation on-site through cross-sector coordination. He stated that efforts are focused on extinguishing, cooling, and controlling fire hotspots within the burnt area.
Berton noted that the response involves elements from the Central Java Provincial BPBD, Semarang City BPBD, Demak Regency BPBD, Semarang City Fire Department, Environmental Agency, Public Works Department, Satpol PP, TNI and Polri, PMI, the Mijen District and Jatibarang Village governments, as well as volunteer communities.
Equipment deployed includes one water tanker truck from the Central Java Provincial BPBD, 11 fire engines from Semarang City, two water tankers from PDAM, four water tankers from the Public Works Department, one water tanker from the Housing and Settlement Department, one water tanker from the Semarang City PMI, one PMI ambulance, one Antasena ambulance, and one rescue unit from the Central Java Regional Police Samapta. Additionally, one excavator, one loader, and one dozer from the Environmental Agency have been deployed.
Berton mentioned that several obstacles are being faced by officers during the handling process, including fire hotspots that are difficult to reach, narrow access roads, and the rapid spread of the fire.
“These conditions are being taken into account by the joint team in determining the strategy for extinguishing and control in the field,” he said.
Berton stated that the local government is also preparing logistical needs, including water supplies and public kitchens to support the personnel involved in the fire-fighting operation.
Furthermore, the BNPB urges the public to increase vigilance against the potential for land fires, particularly during dry weather conditions.
Additionally, residents in fire-prone areas are expected to avoid open burning and to immediately report any fire hotspots or indications of fire to the authorities or local government.
“As of Thursday (1/10), the joint team is still handling the affected area, prioritising extinguishing and cooling, and ensuring the fire can be controlled so it does not spread to other areas,” said Berton.