Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) will further study the pollution case in the Cisadane River caused by a pesticide warehouse fire in South Tangerang. The contamination has spread about 22.5 kilometers, killing aquatic life. Local authorities advise residents to temporarily stop using the river water to avoid health risks.
The pollution incident in the Cisadane River in Banten was triggered by a fire at a fertilizer company's warehouse in South Tangerang on February 11, 2026. The blaze burned about 20 tons of pesticides, and extinguishing water mixed with chemical residues flowed into the Jeletreng River, a tributary of the Cisadane. The contamination spread approximately 22.5 kilometers, affecting South Tangerang City, Tangerang City, and Tangerang Regency.
Impacts include the death of various aquatic organisms, such as carp, baung fish, patin catfish, tilapia, and plecostomus. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated, "About 20 tons of pesticides burned, and the extinguishing water mixed with chemical residues flowed to pollute the river. This condition has a serious impact on the aquatic ecosystem and surrounding communities."
BRIN Head Arif Satria said his agency will promptly study the case. "For Cisadane immediately, later I with the team will learn," he said after a seminar at the Ministry of Health in Jakarta on February 12, 2026. He has spoken with field personnel and plans to call the team to resolve the issue.
The Tangerang City Environmental Agency (DLH) is conducting regular water quality monitoring using equipment updated hourly. DLH Head Wawan Fauzi emphasized, "All activities utilizing Cisadane River water should be temporarily stopped until official laboratory test results are released and the river is declared safe again."
Tangerang City Health Department (Dinkes) Head Dini Anggraeni warned that exposure to chemical waste can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, nausea, vomiting, or other complaints. She advised residents experiencing symptoms to seek nearby health facilities immediately or call the 112 hotline or 021-5577-1135. Residents are also prohibited from catching, processing, or consuming fish from the river to avoid poisoning.
