Jakarta – A blaze at a pesticide warehouse in Tangerang, Banten, has triggered toxic runoff into the Jalantreng and Cisadane rivers, causing a mass fish die-off and disrupting clean water supplies for nearby resident

Head of the South Tangerang Communication and Information Agency, Tubagus Asep Nurdin, said authorities have collected river water samples for laboratory testing to determine the extent of contamination.

"The parameters being examined are quite complex because they involve pesticide chemicals. Obtaining accurate results will take several working days," Asep said on Wednesday, as quoted by Kompas.id.

He urged residents to temporarily refrain from using river water for daily activities, including washing dishes, laundry, cooking or drinking, until test results confirm it is safe.

Asep also urged residents living near the riverbanks to closely monitor their well water for any changes in odor or color and to promptly report any irregularities to the authorities.

In the meantime, the city administration has begun distributing clean water to residents affected by the incident.

Allin Hendalin Mahdaniar, head of the South Tangerang Health Agency, has warned that exposure to hazardous chemicals from the spill could trigger a range of health problems, including eye and skin irritation, respiratory issues, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and, in severe cases, poisoning.

"We urge the public, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children and those with pre-existing medical conditions, to exercise heightened caution against possible chemical exposure," Allin said.

She added that the agency has taken clean water samples from areas surrounding the fire site and from drinking water reservoirs for laboratory analysis. Health officials are also carrying out active surveillance to detect early signs of exposure-related illnesses among residents.

Authorities have warned residents not to consume fish found dead in the river and to avoid any direct contact with river water, especially if it emits a strong odor, appears foamy or shows unusual discoloration.

Anyone experiencing symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, breathing difficulties or skin and eye irritation after contact with the contaminated water is advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.

A fire broke out at a pesticide warehouse owned by PT Biotek Saranatama in Tekno Park, Setu district, Tangerang, at around 4:30 a.m. on Monday. The facility was storing approximately 20 tonnes of liquid and powdered pesticides at the time of the incident.

At least 15 fire engines and 75 firefighters were deployed to extinguish the blaze. However, the fire was only brought under control seven hours later, as the chemical substances inside the warehouse made it difficult to contain.

No casualties were reported. However, authorities said liquid pesticides that spilled during the fire, along with water used to extinguish the flames, flowed into nearby drainage channels that connect directly to the Cisadane River and its tributary, the Jalantreng River.

Hours after the blaze was extinguished, residents reported a pungent odor emanating from the river, as well as an oily sheen and white foam on the water's surface. Thousands of fish were found dead and floating, with some residents collecting and consuming the fish.

The contamination also forced several regional water utilities that draw raw water from the Cisadane River to suspend operations temporarily, disrupting supplies to thousands of customers.

Authorities said water distribution services began gradually resuming on Tuesday after quality checks indicated improving conditions.

Tangerang-owned water utility Perumda Tirta Benteng, among those affected, said it had disposed of all raw water suspected of contamination into the sea before restoring services.

"We ensure that the water currently reaching customers is safe and fit for use. It has been confirmed to be free from physical and chemical contamination," technical director Joko Surana said, as quoted by Kompas.com.

Joko added that the company is continuing intensive water quality monitoring to ensure safety and prevent any residual impact from the incident.

Head of the Criminal Investigation Division at the South Tangerang Police Adj. Comr. Wira Graha Setiawan said investigators are probing possible criminal elements behind the fire at the PT Biotek Saranatama facility.

"So far, we have questioned five witnesses, including employees, managers and security staff. We are also working closely with the South Tangerang Environment and Forestry Agency to analyze the types of pesticides stored at the warehouse," he told state news agency Antara.

Wira added police are actively working to determine the exact cause and point of origin of the fire. (nal)

Source: https://asianews.network/fire-at-indonesian-pesticide-warehouse-triggers-toxic-spill-into-rivers