Jatiwaringin Landfill Fire Still Uncontained After 9 Days, Officials Hold Mass Prayers for Rain

The fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill in Tangerang Regency, Banten, has not been extinguished after nine days. Local government officials (ASN) from the Tangerang Regency administration held a mass prayer for rain (istisqo) to aid the firefighting efforts. “Alhamdulillah, several sub-districts have also performed the istisqo prayer so that rain can be sent down. Because rain will accelerate the extinguishing process,” said Tangerang Regent Moch. Maesyal Rasyid, as quoted by the Tangerang Regency government website on Wednesday (8/7/2026). Maesyal joined the disaster response team and volunteers in a collective prayer for the smooth handling of the operation and the safety of all personnel and affected residents near the Jatiwaringin landfill in Mauk District. During his visit, Maesyal expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all parties involved in handling the disaster. The extinguishing operation involves hundreds of joint personnel. “Today is the ninth day of handling this fire disaster. All teams, from the central government, BNPB, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Forestry with Manggala Agni, volunteers, Forkopimda, regional agencies, BPBD, the Health Service, Tangerang City, West Jakarta, Serang City, and Banten Province, I thank you for your assistance and relentless efforts,” he said. He noted that the integrated collaboration and mutual support from all parties provide the motivation to overcome challenges on the ground. Efforts to douse the remaining smoke spots continue via land and air. Four water bombing helicopters from BNPB have been deployed to reach areas inaccessible to ground crews. Maesyal emphasised that the focus on affected residents remains a priority. The local government guarantees health services and daily necessities at evacuation centres located in Rajeg Mulya Village and Tanjakan Mekar Village, Rajeg District. “If the smoke reaches residential areas, we will immediately handle evacuation at the village offices in Rajeg Mulya and Tanjakan Mekar. We have health workers on standby and provide food, drink, and vitamins to keep the community healthy,” he explained. Regarding weather modification operations to induce artificial rain, the Tangerang Regency Government is still coordinating with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The operation cannot yet be carried out because cloud growth in the area is still too thin.