Jakarta landfill fire forces evacuations, sparks health concerns

A fire broke out on 30 June at the Jatiwaringin landfill on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia. The blaze spread across more than 15 hectares, producing thick, toxic smoke that has forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes and seek shelter in government‑run temporary camps.

Local health authorities have examined at least 234 people for respiratory problems, including 72 cases of acute respiratory tract infections. Firefighters are using helicopters, water tankers, bulldozers and drones in an effort to extinguish the fire, which is deeper within the waste piles than on the surface. Environmental NGOs say the incident reflects a broader waste‑management crisis, noting that the landfill is handling far more waste than it was designed for and that methane buildup from decomposing organic material likely fueled the blaze.