Pesticide Pollution in Cisadane River Spreads 22.5 Kilometers, Impacts Aquatic Life
Tangerang, Banten – The Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLH) is investigating significant pesticide contamination in the Cisadane River following a fire at a pesticide warehouse in South Tangerang. The pollution has reportedly spread across 22.5 kilometers of the river, impacting areas within South Tangerang City, Tangerang City, and Tangerang Regency.
According to a statement released by the KLH on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the contamination stems from liquid pesticide materials flowing into the Jeletreng River and subsequently into the Cisadane River. The pollution has already resulted in the deaths of various aquatic species, including catfish, gourami, patin fish, tilapia, and suckerfish.
The KLH/BPLH (Environmental Control Agency) has collected water samples from both upstream and downstream sections of the Cisadane River, as well as ten samples of dead fish, for laboratory analysis. Further testing will also be conducted on water from the Jeletreng River, groundwater, and other aquatic life, with the involvement of toxicologists. “We will investigate this case through a series of laboratory tests and scientific studies,” stated Minister of Environment/Head of BPLH, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq.
The investigation centers on a fire that occurred at a warehouse owned by PT Biotek Saranatama, located in the Taman Tekno BSD Serpong area of Setu District, South Tangerang City. The warehouse contained approximately 20 tons of the pesticides cypermetrin and profenofos, commonly used for plant pest control. The fire resulted in the burning of these materials, and runoff from extinguishing the blaze carried chemical residue into the river system.
“Approximately 20 tons of pesticide burned, and the water used to extinguish the fire, mixed with chemical residue, flowed into the river, causing significant damage to the aquatic ecosystem and impacting nearby communities,” Minister Hanif explained.
Local authorities in Tangerang City are conducting periodic monitoring of water quality in the Cisadane River while awaiting the results of the laboratory tests. The Tangerang City Environmental Service (DLH) has issued a public appeal advising residents to refrain from catching, processing, or consuming fish from the Cisadane River due to the potential health risks associated with exposure to the dangerous chemicals.
Wawan Fauzi, Head of the Tangerang City DLH, stated that monitoring is being updated hourly, given the extent of public activity along the river. The city’s Health Office has also warned that exposure to the chemical waste could cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, nausea, vomiting, or other health issues. Residents experiencing symptoms after contact with the river water are advised to seek immediate medical attention, with emergency contact information provided as Call Center 112 or 021-5577-1135.
The fire at the PT Biotek Saranatama warehouse was reported on Monday, February 9th. Firefighters reportedly used two truckloads of sand to contain the blaze, which took seven hours to extinguish. The local government of Tangerang Selatan (Tangsel) is also monitoring the impact of the pollution on the Jeletreng River and has ensured the continued safety of the local water supply, deploying water tankers to provide free water to affected residents.
