Jatiwaringin Landfill Fire Smoke Blankets Residential Areas, Air Quality Deemed Hazardous

The fire raging at the Jatiwaringin Final Disposal Site (TPA) has not only produced thick plumes of smoke but also poses a serious health threat to surrounding residents. The Ministry of Environment stated that the air quality in the affected area is now classified as hazardous to health. Concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were recorded at approximately 1,000 micrograms per cubic metre, vastly exceeding the national daily ambient air quality standard of 55 micrograms per cubic metre. Dense smoke from the landfill fire continues to blanket residential areas in Rajeg, Tangerang Regency, Banten. Police have been evacuating affected residents, who have been urged to limit outdoor activities and wear masks to reduce exposure to the pollution while firefighting operations remain underway. For those living near the Jatiwaringin landfill, the fire is not just about the burning waste but the air they breathe daily. Air quality monitoring has become a crucial step to ensure that the response goes beyond extinguishing the flames and also protects public health.