Jatiwaringin Landfill Fire: Hundreds Displaced, Suffering from Respiratory Infections
232 people have evacuated to the Tanjakan Mekar Village Hall to avoid the harmful effects of thick smoke, stated Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, to reporters on Sunday (5/7/2026).
Abdul explained that 40% of the 15-hectare burnt area has been extinguished. An emergency disaster response status has been in effect from 1 to 14 July.
“Extinguishing efforts via both land and air routes are still being carried out for the 60% of the burnt area that has not yet been extinguished, although it can be controlled,” he said.
The breakdown of evacuees is as follows:
Children: 60
Elderly: 7
Pregnant women: 1
Adults: 137
Toddlers: 26
People with disabilities: 1
Ministry of Environment Installs Air Quality Monitors
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment (KLH) continues to monitor the impact of air pollution caused by the Jatiwaringin landfill fire. The Minister of Environment, Jumhur Hidayat, has advised the public to avoid activities within a 1.7-kilometre radius of the fire’s epicentre.
“Based on monitoring data analysis (up to the night of 3 July) and elaboration of BMKG data, through technical modelling simulations of key PM2.5 parameters which are dangerous for respiration and a potential cause of ISPA (Acute Respiratory Infection), it is estimated that the safe limit for residents is to remain outside a 1.7 km radius from the centre of the Jatiwaringim landfill,” Jumhur told reporters on Sunday (5/7/2026).
Jumhur stated that the government has implemented several safety measures, including evacuating residents to safer locations, deploying medical teams, and distributing masks to the community.
“So far, there have been 139 cases of ISPA, and 50 residents have been moved to the local Village Office, which is located in a relatively safe area from the smoke impact,” he said.
He added that all medical costs would be covered by the Tangerang Regency Government. Jumhur noted that the Tangerang Regency Government has also declared a disaster emergency status.
Increased Water Bombing via Helicopter
Currently, officers are still working to extinguish the fire by deploying two helicopters. Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, explained that efforts are being made via two helicopters, and the number will increase tomorrow to a total of four.
“BNPB will add 2 water-bombing helicopter units, bringing the total to 4 units, which will be repositioned tomorrow to accelerate the extinguishing efforts,” he revealed.
Regarding weather modification operations (OMC), these cannot be conducted for the next week. However, one aircraft for OMC remains on standby.
“Weather modification operations are not yet possible for the next 7 days due to the lack of sufficient rain clouds. Nevertheless, BNPB maintains 1 OMC aircraft on standby, ready to operate if rain clouds become available,” he said.
As is known, the fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill in Tangerang Regency, Banten, has been burning since last Tuesday (30/6). The Tangerang Regency Government has declared an emergency response status as the fire continues to spread.