Enviro News Asia, Tanggerang — Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) has launched an investigation into a warehouse fire at PT Biotek Saranatama, after pesticide runoff polluted the Jeletreng River, a tributary of the Cisadane River, in South Tangerang.
The incident occurred at the company’s warehouse located in the Taman Tekno BSD Serpong industrial area, Setu District, South Tangerang City. The facility stored pesticide materials, including cypermethrin and profenofos, which are commonly used for agricultural pest control.
Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that approximately 20 tons of pesticide materials were burned during the fire. Firefighting water mixed with chemical residues subsequently flowed into the river, causing environmental contamination.
He emphasized that the polluted runoff posed serious risks to aquatic ecosystems and surrounding communities. According to the ministry, the contamination along the Cisadane River has spread for about 22.5 kilometers, affecting South Tangerang City, Tangerang City, and Tangerang Regency.
The pollution has resulted in the death of various aquatic species, including carp, catfish, pangasius, tilapia, and suckermouth catfish. As part of follow-up measures, KLH/BPLH collected water samples from upstream and downstream sections of the Cisadane River and gathered ten samples of dead fish for laboratory testing.
Further examinations will also be conducted on the Jeletreng River, groundwater, and other aquatic biota, with the involvement of toxicology experts. The minister urged residents living along the riverbanks to temporarily refrain from using river water for daily activities due to potential health risks, including skin and eye irritation and respiratory problems.
KLH/BPLH reaffirmed its commitment to handling the case in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations. The government will ensure transparent and accountable law enforcement, including a comprehensive evaluation of hazardous and toxic materials management systems implemented by the company. (*)
