Strong Winds Hinder Firefighting Efforts at Jatiwaringin Landfill, Says BNPB

The Director of Operational Control Coordination at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Brigadier General TNI Djohan Darmawan, stated that the firefighting process at the Jatiwaringin Landfill in Tangerang Regency is still ongoing. He noted that the suppression efforts are being hindered by strong winds at the site.

“As of now, the fire has not been extinguished due to the factor of strong winds in the Jatiwaringin landfill area,” said Djohan when contacted on Wednesday (1/7/2026).

Djohan mentioned that 10 fire engine units were deployed tonight to combat the flames. Officers are maximising the use of water hoses from the fire engines to reduce the fire’s intensity.

BNPB had originally prepared two water bombing helicopters to assist in the firefighting process. Djohan stated that helicopter operations were halted at 18:00 WIB and will resume tomorrow morning.

“As of 18:00, water bombing operations had been carried out, with one water bombing mission completed. This will continue tomorrow with two water bombing helicopter units,” he said.

“Therefore, the fire suppression efforts tonight will continue with 10 fire engine units on standby. The firefighters are using hoses to extinguish the active flames,” Djohan added.

He explained that, so far, 30 families have been evacuated due to the fire at the Jatiwaringin Landfill. The local government has also prepared medical teams to monitor the health of residents living near the site.

BNPB will deploy water bombing helicopters in the firefighting process tomorrow morning. Additionally, plans for cloud seeding (rainmaking) are also being considered.

“Since we have entered the dry season, we will maximise the use of two water bombing helicopters. Regarding cloud seeding, we are waiting for cloud formation, as the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency) stated that there are currently no clouds, making cloud seeding impossible at this time,” concluded Djohan.