Jatibarang Landfill fire affects 10 hectares in Semarang

A large-scale fire broke out at the Jatibarang Landfill in Semarang, Central Java, on Wednesday, September 30, at approximately 18:04 WIB. The blaze spread across multiple zones, affecting an estimated 10 hectares of the site.

Emergency response efforts involve a joint team including the Central Java and Semarang City Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD), the Semarang City Fire Department, the military (TNI), the police (Polri), and various local government departments. Firefighters have deployed dozens of personnel and numerous water tankers, excavators, and loaders to manage the situation.

Authorities face significant challenges due to narrow access roads, difficult terrain, and the presence of methane gas within the waste piles, which requires specialized handling. Heavy machinery is being used to stir the waste to uncover hidden embers. While the fire continues to be managed, reports indicate that the intensity of the hotspots has begun to decrease. No fatalities have been reported, though the fire has disrupted the activities of local scavengers working at the site. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.