Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLH) is investigating pesticide contamination in the Cisadane River following a fire at a warehouse in Serpong, South Tangerang. The incident has resulted in pollution spanning 22.5 kilometers of the waterway.
According to a statement released by the KLH on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the contamination in the Sungai Cisadane has spread to include areas of South Tangerang City, Tangerang City, and Tangerang Regency. Authorities have identified widespread aquatic life deaths, including carp, catfish, tilapia, and suckerfish.
The KLH/BPLH (Environmental Control Agency) has collected water samples from both upstream and downstream sections of the Sungai Cisadane, and has gathered ten samples of dead fish for laboratory analysis. Further testing will also be conducted on the Jaletreng River, groundwater, and other aquatic life, with the involvement of toxicology experts.
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“We will investigate this case through a series of laboratory tests and scientific studies. For the time being, we urge residents living near the river to avoid using the water for daily needs, as it could cause skin and eye irritation, as well as respiratory problems if the fumes are inhaled,” said Minister of Environment and Forestry/Head of BPLH, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq.
Officials stated that approximately 20 tons of pesticides belonging to PT Biotek Saranatama were destroyed in the fire. The pesticides that burned were of the cypermethrin and profenofos types, commonly used to control various plant pests.
“Approximately 20 tons of pesticides burned, and the firefighting water mixed with chemical residue flowed into the river, polluting it. This condition has a very serious impact on the aquatic ecosystem and the surrounding communities,” Hanif said.
The pesticide factory, located in Setu District, South Tangerang City, caught fire on Monday, February 9. Firefighters used two dump trucks filled with sand to extinguish the blaze, which originated from the chemicals. The fire was finally extinguished after seven hours of effort.
The South Tangerang City Government is continuing to monitor the impact of the pollution on the Jaletreng River. Yet, the city government assures residents that the supply of clean water remains secure.
“The City Government has coordinated with relevant parties, including the clean water management company, to ensure the safety of the distribution,” said South Tangerang Mayor Benyamin Davnie to reporters on Wednesday, February 11.
Benyamin added that the government has prepared water tankers to be distributed to affected residents. “The Department of Public Works and Spatial Planning together with the Regional Disaster Management Agency have prepared a fleet of clean water tankers to supply residents’ needs for free,” he explained.
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(aik/jbr)
