The Ministry of Environment (KLH) is currently awaiting crucial laboratory results before proceeding with a civil lawsuit against the company responsible for the pesticide contamination of the Cisadane River. This significant environmental incident occurred following a devastating pesticide warehouse fire in South Tangerang.
Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, confirmed this delay to reporters at Balai Sarbini, Jakarta, on Wednesday (February 25). He emphasized, “Regarding the Cisadane River, we are once again waiting for lab results concerning the pesticides. These specialized pesticide lab analyses are overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture. There are two specific laboratories conducting these tests, including the IPB Lab.” This highlights the meticulous and specialized nature of the investigation.
Hanif further elaborated that these forthcoming lab results are indispensable for accurately calculating the extent of the environmental damage and the financial losses incurred. This assessment will form the bedrock of the environmental lawsuit to be filed against the implicated company.
“Once the pesticide lab results are released, we will integrate those variable components into our modeling. Subsequently, we will promptly proceed with filing the civil litigation,” he affirmed, indicating a clear path forward once the scientific data is confirmed.
The severe environmental pollution in the Cisadane River was directly triggered by a pesticide warehouse fire situated in the Taman Tekno area, Setu District, South Tangerang, on Monday (February 9).
The warehouse in question is owned by PT Biotek Saranatama, located at Taman Tekno BSD Serpong Warehouse Complex, Block K3 Number 37, Setu District, South Tangerang City. The facility was found to be storing significant quantities of cypermethrin and profenofos pesticides, which are widely utilized for controlling various agricultural pests, underscoring the potential for widespread ecological harm.
The scale of the contamination is alarming, affecting approximately 22.5 kilometers of the Cisadane River. This extensive polluted stretch encompasses critical areas within South Tangerang, Tangerang City, and Tangerang Regency, necessitating a comprehensive and urgent response to mitigate the environmental impact.
Summary
The Ministry of Environment (KLH) is awaiting specialized laboratory results before filing a civil lawsuit against the company responsible for the pesticide contamination of the Cisadane River. Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq confirmed that these crucial analyses, overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and conducted by labs including IPB, will determine the extent of environmental damage. This severe pollution stems from a pesticide warehouse fire belonging to PT Biotek Saranatama in South Tangerang.
Once the lab results for pesticides like cypermethrin and profenofos are finalized, KLH will use this data to calculate financial losses and proceed with the civil litigation. The contamination has affected approximately 22.5 kilometers of the Cisadane River, impacting areas within South Tangerang, Tangerang City, and Tangerang Regency.