The fire engulfing the Jatiwaringin Landfill (TPA) in Tangerang has entered its ninth day. Amid ongoing firefighting efforts, Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Yahya Zaini, emphasized the importance of the government remaining vigilant in safeguarding the health of affected residents, even after the flames are completely extinguished.
Yahya stated that health threats from air pollution and environmental waste do not stop once the fire is put out. According to him, the government must build a comprehensive health resilience system, considering the potential emergence of non-immediately visible public health complications, such as chronic respiratory diseases or psychosocial impacts resulting from the disaster.
Furthermore, the legislator from the Golkar Party Fraction urged for psychological counseling services for evacuees. This counseling is considered crucial as part of trauma healing efforts (*trauma healing*), given that large-scale environmental disasters often leave a mental health burden on communities that have lost their comfort and homes.
To date, a total of 158 individuals from 51 families have been evacuated from Tanjakan Mekar Village and Rajeg Mulya Village. The latest data shows that 144 individuals are from Tanjakan Mekar Village and 14 others are from Rajeg Mulya Village, who are currently staying in evacuation shelters.
As a future preventive measure, Yahya suggested that the government draft a post-disaster health monitoring protocol (*post-disaster health monitoring*). This strategy is expected to ensure that the community has continuous access to healthcare services, while serving as an accurate database for formulating future policies regarding environmental health management.
