Jakarta, ThedailyID — A massive fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill in Mauk, Tangerang Regency, has expanded to an estimated 15 hectares, prompting emergency response efforts as thick smoke continues to affect nearby communities.
The fire, which broke out on Tuesday, has continued burning for more than 24 hours. Firefighters remain at the scene, battling flames that continue to spread across piles of waste.
Heavy smoke and a strong odor still blanket the surrounding area. Crews are also using excavators to separate garbage piles and expose hidden hotspots that ground teams cannot easily reach.
Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, said hot weather and strong winds have accelerated the fire’s spread.
“So far, the burned area has reached around 15 hectares,” he said.
To strengthen firefighting efforts, BNPB deployed two MI-8AMT water-bombing helicopters. Each aircraft can carry up to 4,000 liters of water per mission.
Authorities believe aerial firefighting offers the most effective option because many hotspots remain buried deep inside the landfill.
Suharyanto also said authorities could launch weather modification operations if conditions continue to worsen.
Meanwhile, the Tangerang Health Agency reported that 154 residents have developed acute respiratory infections (ARI) after prolonged exposure to smoke from the fire.
Health officials said the affected residents include children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups living near the landfill.
Health Agency chief Hendra Tarmizi confirmed that medical workers referred one pregnant woman to hospital after she developed breathing problems.
The local government has established four health posts near the landfill. It has also deployed 25 medical personnel to provide round-the-clock services for residents and evacuees.
According to health officials, communities in Mauk, Rajeg, and Sukadiri have experienced the greatest impact from the smoke.
Authorities have instructed all public health centers across Tangerang Regency to remain on alert in case shifting winds spread the smoke to additional areas.
The Health Agency has also increased mask supplies at health centers in the affected districts.
Officials urged residents to limit outdoor activities and leave smoke-filled areas whenever possible. They also advised people to wear face masks if they cannot avoid exposure.
The Jatiwaringin landfill caught fire at around 11:00 a.m. local time on June 30. Thick smoke continues to rise above the site and drift into nearby residential neighborhoods.
As firefighters continue working to contain the blaze, the Tangerang Regency Government has declared an emergency response status. Officials hope the move will speed up coordination with BNPB and other agencies involved in the operation.
