TANGERANG, Indonesia — A fire broke out at the Jatiwaringin landfill in Tangerang, Indonesia, As of July 1, 2026, the landfill is still burning and emitting smoke that is affecting the health of the surrounding community. The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General Dr. Suharyanto, stated, "As of now, the burned area is estimated to cover 15 hectares."
Although the landfill that was operational since 1993 was officially and permanently closed by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment in May 2025, waste from surrounding areas such as Tangerang City, Tangerang Regency, and South Tangerang continues to be dumped there. The fire has forced residents in the vicinity of Jatiwaringin, specifically in the villages of Rajeg Mulya and Tanjakan Mekar to temporarily evacuate to the Tanjakan Mekar Village Office. However, some villages, such as Sukasari, have not yet been reached for evacuation. Local residents describe this as one of the worst fires to date.
Fitriah (34), Rajeg Mulya resident who was affected by the fire, said, "At first, we didn't know what was happening. We just saw smoke, like there was a fire. Fires happen often, we've seen them frequently in recent years but none as massive as this one," she said, describing the current situation.
She added that the community has not yet received adequate compensation from the local government. In addition to the recurring fires, residents face difficulties accessing clean water because groundwater sources have been contaminated by waste runoff. The local water utility company (PDAM) did provide assistance in establishing access to clean water, but this support lasted only three months, from January to February. Residents affected by the waste piles object to the subsequent costs they are expected to bear, arguing that the expense is disproportionate to the risks and pollution the area endures.
Data from the Tangerang Regency Health Office indicates that 154 local residents have suffered from acute respiratory infections (ISPA) due to exposure to smoke from the fire. Those affected include toddlers, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups living near the fire site. A similar situation is being experienced by residents in the vicinity of Rajeg District. Nurul Endah Pratiwi (32), Rajeg’s community health center medical personnel who has served since March 2025, stated, "Most of them are experiencing shortness of breath and coughing," describing the residents' current condition.
Residents are calling for fair compensation commensurate with the risks and pollution involved. They have proposed greening the surrounding area to restore local water sources that have become contaminated. Regarding the issue of waste overcapacity, residents oppose the importation of waste from other areas and advocate for local waste management solutions, specifically recycling businesses that could provide a livelihood for the community.
Photo by Gabri Perboire / JNA Press
