Indonesia Landfill Fire Spreads Over 15 Hectares, Displacing Hundreds

Jakarta. A fierce fire has been ongoing for eight days at the Jatiwaringin landfill near Indonesia's capital, Jakarta. The fire, which started on June 30, has now spread over more than 15 hectares. Hundreds of local residents have been displaced as thick toxic smoke has covered nearby settlements. It is estimated that the fire was caused by methane gas accumulated beneath the piles of garbage.

Health officials have stated that the number of respiratory illnesses has increased significantly due to air pollution. Firefighters have deployed helicopters, water tankers, bulldozers, and drones to control the fire. Officials have expressed hope that the fire will be brought under control by the end of this week. However, environmentalists say this incident is just an example of Indonesia's growing waste management crisis. They have termed it an environmental disaster created by systemic negligence.