Environment Ministry to Rehabilitate Jatiwaringin Landfill, Halting Open Dumping System

Indonesia's Ministry of Environment (KLH) plans to rehabilitate the Jatiwaringin Final Processing Site (TPA) in Tangerang, Banten, once the ongoing fire is extinguished. The rehabilitation will involve phasing out the current open dumping practice in favor of a safer and more environmentally sound waste management system. This initiative is a critical step toward improving environmental protection and public safety at the landfill site.

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In the future, the Tangerang Regency Government is encouraged to immediately switch from the open dumping system to a more modern, safe, and environmentally friendly waste management system.

Rasio Ridho Sani, Deputy for Environmental Pollution and Damage Control at KLH, stated that the government is urging the Tangerang Regency government to transition from open dumping to a more modern, secure, and eco-friendly waste management system. He emphasized that closing landfills still using the open dumping method is crucial for mitigating fire risks and environmental pollution. This method contributes to the release of dangerous methane gas, increases the potential for explosions and fires, and exacerbates climate change.

Sani further explained that the open dumping system can produce leachate during the rainy season. This liquid waste contains various pollutants that can contaminate the surrounding environment if not managed properly. Regarding potential sanctions for the landfill's management, Sani indicated that the immediate priority is containing the fire. A thorough evaluation of waste management practices will be conducted after the emergency situation concludes.

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The important first step we must take is the closure of open dumping landfills. This practice poses a risk of releasing dangerous methane gas harmful to the environment and triggering climate change, as well as the risk of explosions or fires.

KLH, in collaboration with other agencies, is actively working to extinguish the fire. The operation involves deploying thermal drones to detect hotspots and fire sources, along with mobile air quality monitoring units to measure concentrations of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, PM1, and PM2.5. Additionally, 30 personnel from Manggala Agni in Sulawesi and West Java are on-site, using high-pressure equipment to combat subsurface fires within the waste piles. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) are preparing for weather modification technology operations to accelerate the firefighting efforts across the approximately 18-hectare site.

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Regarding potential sanctions for the management, it will be coordinated further with the Directorate General of Law Enforcement of KLH. However, a total evaluation of waste management will still proceed after the extinguishing of the fire.