Ongoing Fire at Jatiwaringin Landfill
A fire has been burning for eight days at the Jatiwaringin landfill, located on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia's capital. The blaze has spread over more than 15 hectares, producing thick, toxic smoke that has forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes.
Health authorities have reported an increase in respiratory illnesses attributed to the air pollution caused by the fire. Firefighting efforts include the deployment of helicopters, water tankers, bulldozers, and drones aimed at extinguishing the fire, with hopes to achieve this by the end of the week.
Environmental activists have characterized the incident as an "ecological disaster resulting from systemic negligence," highlighting it as a symptom of Indonesia's growing waste management crisis.
The fire began on 30 June, initially sparked by a small ignition source that was intensified by strong winds, spreading to multiple locations including areas with large accumulations of waste that are difficult for firefighters to access.
Since the outbreak, dense black smoke has engulfed nearby residential neighborhoods. Air quality measurements from the Ministry of Environment have indicated hazardous pollution levels around the landfill, although there has been some improvement in recent days.
Impact on Local Residents
Local resident Sarmanah, 45, described the situation to the BBC, recounting how the toxic smoke infiltrated her home, compelling her and her child to evacuate.
"The smoke was so thick you couldn't see anyone," she said. "It stings the nose, makes you cough and have a runny nose, and makes you unable to breathe... We were forced to leave the house because we couldn't take it anymore."
Hundreds of other residents also evacuated, seeking shelter provided by local authorities. Tosiyani, 37, stated that she was not allowed to return home due to the presence of toxic gases in the smoke.
Local health officials have examined at least 234 individuals suffering from respiratory conditions linked to the fire, with 72 diagnosed with acute respiratory tract infections.
Smoke and smoldering fire spots persist in several waste piles, particularly in the western and southern sections of the landfill.
Firefighting Challenges and Causes
Djohan Darmawan, Director of Emergency Operations Control Coordination at Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), explained that extinguishing the fire requires specialized techniques since the blaze is not only on the surface but also smoldering within the waste heaps.
While officials have yet to confirm the fire's initial cause, the environmental NGO Forum for the Environment (Walhi) suggests that methane gas accumulation from decomposing organic waste likely triggered the fire. This situation stems from widespread unregulated open dumping practices in Indonesia.
"This is a time bomb of accumulated waste management problems that have been ignored for years without fundamental improvements," said Wahyu Eka Styawan, a Walhi campaigner, in an interview with the BBC.
Walhi reports that the Jatiwaringin landfill is overwhelmed, as Tangerang Regency produces significantly more waste than the landfill was designed to handle.
"The landfill can accommodate up to 2,700 tons of waste per day, but that only covers 59% of the waste in Tangerang Regency," Wahyu added.
Open dumping sites around Tangerang, including areas adjacent to the landfill, have led to the formation of large waste mountains within close proximity to residential areas. Residents have long been affected by foul odors, insect infestations, and concerns about landslides.
The accumulation of methane gas, exacerbated by heat waves and climate change, creates conditions prone to ignition.
"As soon as there is a small spark or heat, the methane gas under the mountain of rubbish immediately ignites," Wahyu explained.
Several major landfill fires have occurred in Indonesia throughout 2023, including the Sarimukti Landfill in Bandung Regency, which burned dozens of hectares and was suspected to have been caused by cigarette butts and methane buildup. Another fire in Tangerang destroyed approximately 80% of a 35-hectare site and was believed to have a similar cause.
Government Response and Future Measures
Rizal Irawan, Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement at Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry, stated that an investigation into the Jatiwaringin landfill fire's cause will commence after the fire is fully extinguished.
Additionally, the Ministry plans to evaluate 390 landfills across Indonesia in early August 2026.
Rizal noted that the Jatiwaringin landfill received administrative sanctions in 2025 due to poor management practices.
The Ministry has instructed local governments to adopt controlled landfill systems, which involve leveling or compacting waste with heavy machinery and covering it periodically with soil. This method aims to reduce methane gas buildup, lower disease risks, and improve the cleanliness of disposal sites to prevent environmental degradation.
Despite these directives, activists like Wahyu express skepticism about the government's commitment to resolving the underlying waste management issues.
"Regulation is not implemented because there is no firmness and sanctions, the budget for waste management in the regions is minimal, and there is a lack of focus on educating residents about sorting organic waste from home," he said.
Wahyu emphasized that the fire at Jatiwaringin should serve as a warning that emergency responses alone are insufficient.
"Without waste reduction at the source, ongoing sorting, and organic waste processing that can prevent methane gas from forming, there will always be the risk of environmental disasters occurring at landfills," he stated.
"It could definitely catch fire again if the pattern isn't changed. As long as organic waste remains piled up in a jumbled mess, methane gas will continue to be produced underground."
"Once the weather gets hot again, be prepared for more fires."
Additional reporting by Muhammad Iqbal.
