A massive fire that engulfed the Jatiwaringin Final Disposal Site (TPA) in Mauk District, Tangerang Regency, Banten, was finally extinguished after burning for more than ten days. The large-scale firefighting operation, which lasted over 200 hours, involved dozens of cross-regional fire engine fleets as well as water-bombing helicopter assistance from the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB).
The incident, which began in late June 2026, had a direct negative impact on the health of the surrounding community, particularly residents of Jungkel Hamlet, Tanjakan Mekar Village. A total of 232 residents were forced to evacuate to the village office due to suffocating toxic smoke. The local Health Office reported that hundreds of residents, including children and toddlers, began suffering from Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) as well as skin conditions such as severe itching caused by exposure to incineration ash.
Air conditions around the disaster area were declared to be at a very unhealthy level. According to data from the Tangerang Regency Environmental and Health Office (DLHK), the concentration of hazardous PM 2.5 particulate matter spiked to 425.2 percent above the environmental quality standard threshold. Even as residents began returning to their homes, fine PM 1.0 dust remained high, leaving a pungent odor clinging to the settlement.
To contain the situation, the Tangerang Regency Government declared a state of emergency from July 1 to July 14, 2026. On the ground, firefighters had to work relentlessly using excavators to dig through mountains of trash over ten meters deep in order to douse embers hidden in lower layers. The characteristics of decomposing plastic waste made the embers at this landfill resemble peatland fires, which are difficult to extinguish if only sprayed from the surface.
This disaster once again brings to light the long-standing waste management issues at the Jatiwaringin landfill, which has been operating since 1999. The landfill site, covering tens of hectares, is estimated to have accumulated around 20 million metric tons of waste reaching heights of up to 15 meters. For nearly 27 years, the location has continued to use an open dumping system, a method actually prohibited by Law No. 18 of 2008 due to triggering the accumulation of highly flammable methane gas.
The Tangerang Regency DLHK claims to be making efforts to gradually transition away from open dumping by capping waste piles to minimize direct solar heat exposure. Nevertheless, local authorities acknowledge that overhauling to an integrated waste management system will take considerable time and substantial local budget support.
