A devastating pesticide warehouse fire in the Taman Tekno area of Setu, South Tangerang, on Monday (February 9) in the early hours, has resulted in widespread environmental pollution. The hazardous pesticides, carried by firefighting water, subsequently flowed into the Jeletreng River, a critical tributary of the expansive Cisadane River, raising serious concerns for public health and ecological integrity.
The affected warehouse belongs to PT Biotek Saranatama, strategically located within the Taman Tekno BSD Serpong Warehousing Area, specifically Blok K3 Nomor 37, Setu District, South Tangerang City. This facility was known to store significant quantities of cypermethrin and profenofos, potent pesticides commonly deployed for comprehensive agricultural pest control, underscoring the potential severity of the contamination.
The impact of this environmental disaster is extensive, affecting approximately 22.5 kilometers of the Cisadane River. This vast stretch of waterway traverses not only South Tangerang but also extends into the jurisdiction of Tangerang City and Tangerang Regency, indicating a regional crisis that demands a coordinated response.
In response to this alarming pollution, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, the Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), has announced the government’s firm intention to sue the responsible company. This decisive action underscores the government’s resolute commitment to holding environmental perpetrators fully accountable for the restoration and remediation of the damage caused.
“Regarding criminal proceedings, the Police Chief will pursue those investigations. Furthermore, from the civil aspect, we will initiate action as stipulated in articles 87 and 90 of Law Number 32/2009,” stated Minister Hanif during an address in Tangerang, highlighting the multi-faceted legal approach being taken.
Minister Hanif asserted that the negligence displayed by the pesticide warehouse owner has led to profound and adverse effects on environmental sustainability. This incident has critically impacted several aquatic biota within the affected river sections and compromised water intended for public consumption. Consequently, the comprehensive legal process is set to proceed without delay.
“This situation is likely to unfold over a considerable period, given that the contaminated water flows approximately 9 kilometers from the Jeletreng River to its confluence with the Cisadane, and then for tens of kilometers further along the Cisadane’s course towards Teluknaga,” he elaborated, emphasizing the long-term nature of the cleanup challenge.
Beyond immediate legal recourse, the government and law enforcement agencies are actively undertaking in-depth studies and meticulous investigations to ascertain the full extent of the violations committed by the company, reinforcing their commitment to a thorough inquiry.
“I, along with the Police Chief, the Deputy for Law Enforcement (Gakkum), and the Deputy for Environmental Pollution Control (PPKL), have been overseeing this case since its very inception. The Police Chief has consequently implemented swift police measures to manage this critical situation effectively,” he further clarified, detailing the collaborative government response.
KLH Seals Polluting Pesticide Warehouse, PPKL Team Deployed
The Ministry of Environment (KLH) has officially sealed the chemical warehouse belonging to PT Biotek Saranatama in South Tangerang (Tangsel), which was previously ravaged by the fire. This crucial step signifies direct intervention by environmental authorities.
The sealing operation was personally overseen by Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq. A prominent sign bearing the inscription ‘Warning: This Area Is Under Environmental Supervisory Official Surveillance’ was conspicuously affixed to the front of the building, situated in the Taman Tekno warehousing complex in Setu District, marking the site as under official control.
Additionally, police lines have been placed across the warehouse doors, indicating an active crime scene. This measure is in place as investigators continue their intensive efforts to determine the precise cause and circumstances surrounding the devastating fire.
Minister Hanif reiterated that the KLH has maintained continuous oversight of the incident since its onset, working in close coordination with law enforcement agencies throughout the ongoing case management and investigation process.
“We have been thoroughly reviewing this case since the initial occurrence, and the Police Chief has taken prompt and decisive police actions to manage this situation efficiently,” he affirmed, as quoted on Sunday (February 15), stressing the urgency of the response.
According to Minister Hanif, the KLH, in collaboration with local government bodies, is steadfastly pursuing comprehensive mitigation efforts. These include rigorous monitoring of water quality and the systematic collection of samples from all affected segments of the river. Preliminary information indicates that the pesticide-contaminated water has now regrettably reached the Teluk Naga area of Tangerang Regency, highlighting the vast spread of the pollution.
7 Individuals Questioned in Fire Investigation
In connection with the warehouse fire, police investigators are actively pursuing their inquiry. To date, a total of 7 individuals have been questioned as key witnesses, providing crucial insights into the events leading up to and during the incident.
“Currently, seven witnesses have been interviewed. Yes, they are employees from this facility,” stated South Tangerang Police Chief AKBP Boy Jumalolo when approached on Thursday (February 12), confirming the ongoing witness testimonies.
Police Chief Boy further elaborated that law enforcement officials are diligently investigating whether any criminal elements contributed to the fire. This aspect of the inquiry will proceed in tandem with awaiting the conclusive results from laboratory examinations of samples collected at the incident site, which are vital for establishing culpability.
“We are actively pursuing the possibility of criminal acts as the investigation progresses, as the process is still very much underway,” he affirmed, indicating the comprehensive nature of the police probe.
Warehouse Owner’s Remedial Actions Post-Contamination
Addressing the critical environmental contamination resulting from the fire, Luki, the Operational Manager of PT Biotek Saranatama, confirmed that the company has initiated coordination with the South Tangerang Environmental Agency (DLH). Their collaborative efforts focus on comprehensive neutralization measures, targeting both the affected air quality and the contaminated river water.
“For air remediation, we are utilizing specialized products supplied with assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture. Concurrently, for the river, we have deployed advanced pesticide absorbents specifically designed to neutralize the pesticides themselves,” Luki explained, detailing the multi-pronged approach to environmental recovery.
Beyond neutralization, the company also asserts that it has undertaken proactive measures for ecosystem restoration. This includes the notable release of thousands of fish into the affected river sections, a direct effort to repopulate and revitalize the aquatic environment.
“Today, we are also actively contributing to the restoration of the river’s aquatic ecosystem by releasing approximately 5,000 fish, comprising species such as catfish, gourami, and tilapia,” he clarified, emphasizing the specific actions taken for ecological revival.
Luki further added that PT Biotek Saranatama is committed to conducting regular, periodic checks of the Cisadane River’s water quality. Moreover, the company plans to establish a dedicated special team to continuously monitor the environmental recovery and progress in the aftermath of this significant incident, ensuring sustained oversight.
“Yes, these will be periodic checks. We also conduct regular water quality assessments, and we will indeed form a team specifically tasked with managing these ongoing efforts,” he concluded, outlining the company’s long-term environmental commitment.