Jatiwaringin Landfill Fire Still Uncontained After 9 Days, Officials Hold Mass Prayers for Rain
The fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill (TPA) in Tangerang Regency, Banten, has yet to be extinguished on its ninth day. Civil servants of the Tangerang Regency Government held the salat istisqo, a prayer asking for rain, to support the extinguishing efforts.
“Alhamdulillah, several districts have also carried out the salat istisqo so that rain may be sent down. Rain would accelerate the extinguishing process. Let us also pray together, asking Allah SWT for the smooth running of the extinguishing operation and for the safety of us all, including the community,” said Tangerang Regent Moch. Maesyal Rasyid, as quoted on the Tangerang Regency Government website on Wednesday (8/7/2026).
Maesyal joined the disaster response team and volunteers in a joint prayer for the smooth running of the operation and the safety of the personnel involved, as well as residents affected by the Jatiwaringin landfill fire in Mauk District.
During his visit, Maesyal expressed gratitude and appreciation to all parties involved in handling the landfill fire. The extinguishing operation involves hundreds of combined personnel.
“Today is the ninth day of the fire disaster response. All the teams, from the central government, BNPB, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Forestry with its Manggala Agni fire brigade, volunteers, Forkopimda, regional agencies, BPBD, the Health Office, Tangerang City, West Jakarta, Serang City, and Banten Province, are involved. We thank them for their assistance and their tireless efforts in handling this fire disaster,” he said.
He said the unified, mutually supportive collaboration of all parties in handling the landfill fire served as a boost to morale, driving everyone to do their utmost to overcome the challenges in the field.
“Alhamdulillah, everyone remains in high spirits. We have just seen that there are still pockets of smoke that we need to extinguish. Everyone is helping one another, joining hands in the effort to put out this fire,” he said.
Water spraying at locations still emitting smoke continues on the ground and from the air. Four water-bombing helicopters from BNPB have been deployed to douse areas that ground personnel cannot reach.
He said the focus on assisting affected residents remains a priority and on standby. The regional government is guaranteeing health services and daily necessities for the community at evacuation sites in Rajeg Mulya Village and Tanjakan Mekar Village, Rajek District.
“If the smoke reaches residential areas, we will immediately carry out evacuations at the village offices, whether in Rajeg Mulya or Tanjakan Mekar. We are prepared there, with health personnel standing by for public health, and daily needs such as food and drink provided. We are also giving residents vitamins and supplements so that they stay healthy,” he explained.
Regarding the weather modification operation (OMC) for rain induction, it cannot yet be carried out because cloud growth remains very thin. The Tangerang Regency Government continues to coordinate with the BMKG.
“As for rain induction, we are still waiting on the BMKG, because the clouds here are very thin and it cannot yet be attempted,” he revealed.