Indonesia reports 23 landfill fires amid waste management concerns

The Indonesian Ministry of Environment has reported 23 incidents of fires at legal and illegal waste disposal sites this year. Major fires have occurred at the Putri Cempo landfill in Solo and in Jatiwaringin, Tangerang. Melda Mardalina, Director of Waste Management at the Ministry, noted that the accumulation of methane gas from organic waste in open dumping sites significantly increases fire risks, especially during extreme heat caused by El Nino.

To mitigate these risks, the Ministry has ordered local governments to implement emergency preparedness and prevention measures. The Ministry aims to phase out all open dumping practices by the end of 2026.

In Solo, the fire at the Putri Cempo landfill has entered its fifth day. Emergency teams are struggling to extinguish embers buried deep within the waste piles, which cover approximately 4.4 hectares. Efforts include ground operations by 247 personnel and 32 fire engines, as well as 56 water bombing missions conducted by helicopters. PLN personnel are also assessing nearby extra-high voltage power lines to ensure no damage has occurred due to the heat.