Residents Watch BNPB Water Bombing as TPA Jatiwaringin Fire Rages, 154 Suffer Respiratory Issues

Amidst the efforts of officers battling the blaze at the Jatiwaringin Final Disposal Site (TPA) in Mauk District, Tangerang Regency, an unusual scene unfolded as dozens of residents gathered in the surrounding rice fields. They assembled to watch two National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) water-bombing helicopters in action, dropping thousands of litres of water onto the burning waste piles. The spectacle occurred on the fourth day of the fire, Friday (3/7) afternoon, with children, teenagers, and adults congregating in the fields north of the TPA, not far from the lake serving as the water source for the helicopters. From this vantage point, residents could clearly see the helicopters shuttling back and forth to collect water before releasing it over the smouldering rubbish mounds, with thick plumes of smoke visible in the distance. Many captured the moment on their mobile phones. For Lilis, a local resident, the scene was a rare and entertaining experience. “It’s fun. It’s a bit of entertainment for the kids during the school holidays. The children were curious to see the helicopter and watch it collect water here,” Lilis said. She added that she was not overly concerned as the viewing spot was approximately 850 metres from the fire, and the wind was blowing away from the crowd. Another resident, Diah, visited the location after work, describing the outing as a form of relaxation. “I came here with my nephew after work. Watching the helicopter is a way to heal,” Diah said. Despite the public spectacle, officials tightened security around the fire zone, blocking access roads to the TPA to limit public activity in areas affected by the smoke. This measure was taken because the air quality in the vicinity is considered hazardous, and the direction of the smoke could shift unpredictably with the wind. Head of the Tangerang District Health Office, Hendra Tarmizi, urged residents near the TPA to reduce outdoor activities and avoid exposure to the smoke. He reported that 154 residents have already been recorded as suffering from acute respiratory infections (ISPA) due to the smoke. Hendra also advised anyone experiencing respiratory problems to immediately visit a health facility or one of the five health posts set up by the government to prevent the condition from developing into pneumonia. “If it turns into pneumonia, it will be dangerous, because pneumonia in toddlers, children, and vulnerable people can cause death,” he explained. The fire at the Jatiwaringin TPA has been ongoing since Tuesday (30/6), and as of Friday afternoon, the flames had not been fully extinguished. Firefighting efforts continue via ground crews and aerial water bombing using two BNPB helicopters.