'Mountain of Rubbish on Fire': Jatiwaringin Landfill Blaze Draws International Media Attention

A major fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill on the outskirts of Jakarta has drawn international media attention, with the BBC describing the incident as a ‘mountain of rubbish on fire’ in a report on the blaze that has lasted more than a week. The fire has consumed over 15 hectares of the landfill site, producing thick smoke that has blanketed nearby residential areas and sparked concerns over environmental and public health impacts.

Hundreds of residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters due to deteriorating air quality. One resident, 45-year-old Sarmanah, told the BBC that she and her family were forced to leave their home as they could no longer endure the smoke. ‘The smoke was so thick we couldn’t see anyone. It stung our noses, made us cough, have runny noses, and made it difficult to breathe. We had to leave our home because we couldn’t take it anymore,’ she said.

Al Jazeera also highlighted the incident, reporting on the response efforts by Indonesian authorities, including the deployment of helicopters to conduct water bombing and the work of firefighters attempting to extinguish flames burning beneath the waste piles. The media outlet also noted the impact on local communities, from evacuations to growing health concerns due to smoke exposure.

According to Indonesian authorities cited in the reports, at least 234 residents have undergone medical examinations as a result of the smoke. Of those, 72 people were diagnosed with acute respiratory infections. The persistent thick smoke during firefighting operations has been identified as the main cause of the worsening air quality around the Jatiwaringin landfill area.