On 29th October, 2023, fire erupted at the Bantar Gebang landfill in Bekasi, West Java, resulting in the destruction of 20 percent of the area. The primary factor behind this incident was the release of methane gas from accumulations of refuse, exacerbated by the unusually high temperatures experienced in the previous weeks.
12 fire trucks were dispatched to the Bantar Gebang landfill from Jakarta and Bekasi. According to Satriadi Gunawan, the Jakarta Fire Department’s Head, emphasized the seriousness with which his team addressed this fire incident.
@muhamadrizqibagus tpst bantar gebang kebakaran,#fyp ♬ original sound – 𝐔𝐧𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧
The affected area has officially transitioned into the extinguishment phase within the two designated sectors. The firefighting team additionally employed heavy machinery to contain the fire and prevent its spread to the close by.
Bantar Gebang Landfill Fire, Playing A Role to Worsening Jakarta’s Air Quality Index
The Bantar Gebang landfill fire has had a significant impact on air quality, leading to a recent deterioration. On October 29, 2023, the air quality index in Jakarta and its vicinity rose to 153, indicating unhealthy air conditions.
The decrease in air quality in Jakarta caused by the landfill fire has prompted people to limit their outdoor activities and resort to wearing masks. According to statistics from the Jakarta’s Health Service, there has been a significant spike in respiratory tract infections (ISPA), with a total of 638,000 cases reported since the beginning of 2023.
The dreadful effects aren’t limited to adults; many hospital emergency rooms in Jakarta are also crowded with pediatric patients.
Jakarta’s Air Quality Index on October 2023
According to the U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI), where an AQI between 0-50 indicates the best air quality, and air quality above 100 is considered unhealthy and can pose health risks to the community. Based on the latest data from IQAir for Jakarta, areas with the most polluted air quality include Kuningan, Kemang, Gading Harmony, Jagakarsa, and Ancol. Here’s the AQI in Jakarta for the last weekend of October 2023:
| Day | Pollution Level | Level of Concern | Temperature |
| Wednesday, 1 November 2023 | 150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Group | 32°C |
| Tuesday, 31 October 2023 | 135 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Group | 34°C |
| Monday, 30 October 2023 | 149 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Group | 34°C |
| Sunday, 29 October 2023 | 153 | Unhealthy | 34°C |
| Saturday, 28 October 2023 | 153 | Unhealthy | 34°C |
| Friday, 27 October 2023 | 160 | Unhealthy | 34°C |
How to Stay Safe from Jakarta’s Bad Air Quality
In this situation, it’s important to protect yourself from poor air quality. Here are some tips to consider:
- Wear a mask whenever you’re outdoors and limit strenuous activities like exercising or jogging.
- Install an air purifier in your home to reduce indoor pollutants and dust.
- Enhance your immune system by incorporating vitamins and nutritious foods into your diet.
- Go for public transportation instead of private vehicles whenever it’s possible.
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