Jatiwaringin Landfill Fire Spreads, Emergency Response Status Declared
Efforts to tackle the fire at the Jatiwaringin Final Processing Site (TPA) in Mauk District, Tangerang Regency, Banten Province, are being carried out intensively through ground and air operations. As of Wednesday at 17:05 WIB, the fire had not yet been extinguished and two new hotspots were identified on the northern side of the TPA. The situation indicates the fire still has the potential to spread, requiring integrated handling from various parties.
The fire, which started on Tuesday at 12:30 WIB, has scorched approximately seven hectares of the 33-hectare landfill. Data on the total affected area is still being collected. Thick smoke from the burning waste material has impacted the surrounding community. Around 50 residents have been evacuated to the Tanjakan Mekar Village Hall, and the Tangerang Regency Government is currently able to meet the logistical needs of the evacuees.
To strengthen the response, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has deployed air support in the form of two water-bombing helicopters. One helicopter conducted a water-bombing sortie on Wednesday afternoon, while the other has been mobilised and is ready for operation. Air operations are scheduled to continue, with both helicopters set to take off from Pondok Cabe Airport to assist in wetting and cooling the fire area.
Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Communication Centre, stated that the Tangerang Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), along with local government elements and related regional apparatus organisations, is continuing ground-based firefighting efforts in areas accessible to fire engines. BPBD has also conducted rapid assessments, coordinated with the local government, distributed aid including 46 mattresses to affected residents, and placed health teams on 24-hour standby.
Muhari explained that the firefighting process is facing several obstacles. The hotspots are located at the top of high-elevation waste piles, making them difficult to reach from the ground. Additionally, the easily combustible waste material causes the fire to keep burning and produces thick smoke that disturbs residential areas. He noted that the location currently requires simultaneous ground and air operations, and that activating a Command Post is necessary to strengthen coordination for managing the impact on the community.
The Tangerang Regency Government has declared a Disaster Emergency Response Status for the Jatiwaringin TPA fire through Regent Decree Number 609 of 2026, effective from 1 to 14 July 2026. All relevant parties continue to synergise to accelerate fire control and minimise the impact on the community and the environment.
BNPB has urged residents around the site to reduce outdoor activities unless urgent, especially when smoke exposure increases. Residents are also advised to wear masks when outside, protect vulnerable groups such as toddlers, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses from smoke exposure, and follow instructions from authorities if evacuation or further handling is required. The public is asked to remain calm, not to easily trust or spread unverified information, and to continue monitoring official information from the government and authorised agencies.