“We will investigate this case through a series of laboratory tests and scientific studies. We urge residents living near the river to stop using river water for daily needs, as it has the potential to cause skin and eye irritation, as well as respiratory problems if the vapors are inhaled,” Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said in a statement on Wednesday (February 11).
He said that around 20 tons of pesticide were burned in the fire, while water used to extinguish the blaze mixed with chemical residue and flowed into the river, causing pollution.
“This situation has a serious impact on the aquatic ecosystem and the surrounding community,” Nurofiq said.
PT Biotek Saranatama, located in the Taman Tekno BSD Serpong Warehouse Complex in South Tangerang, stores cypermethrin and profenofos pesticides, which are widely used to control plant pests.
Pollution in the Cisadane River has reportedly spread about 22.5 kilometers, affecting parts of South Tangerang City, Tangerang City, and Tangerang District.
Authorities have identified the deaths of several types of aquatic life, including carp, catfish, tilapia, and suckermouth catfish.
As a follow-up, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has taken water samples from upstream and downstream sections of the Cisadane River and collected ten samples of dead fish for laboratory testing.
Further tests will also be conducted on water from the Jeletreng River, groundwater, and other aquatic organisms, with the involvement of toxicology experts.
The ministry emphasized its commitment to handling the incident in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The government will ensure that law enforcement is carried out transparently and accountably, including a comprehensive evaluation of companies’ hazardous and toxic materials (B3) management systems.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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