Surakarta declares 14-day emergency after Putri Cempo landfill fire

The Surakarta City Government has declared a 14-day emergency status following a major fire at the Putri Cempo landfill in Mojosongo, Jebres. The blaze began on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in Block B and spread toward the northern area bordering Karanganyar Regency. While no fatalities have been reported, approximately 2.17 hectares of land have been burned, and one neighborhood in Mojosongo was evacuated as a precaution.

Local officials noted that the landfill has been operating over capacity since 2007, causing its management to shift from a sanitary landfill system to an open dumping method. This accumulation of organic waste increases the risk of methane gas buildup, which can ignite easily. The facility has experienced similar large-scale fires in 2019 and 2023, typically during dry seasons.

Emergency response efforts involve the Surakarta Fire Department, BPBD, TNI, Polri, and PMI, with water supply support from neighboring Karanganyar and Boyolali. Immediate needs for those affected include logistics, mineral water, masks, and eye drops due to smoke inhalation risks.