Fire erupts at PT Desa Air Cargo in Batam, once used to incinerate BNN’s drug haul
A massive fire broke out Monday night at a hazardous waste facility in Batam that previously incinerated two tons of methamphetamine seized by Indonesia’s anti-narcotics agency.
Fire Strikes Notorious Waste Facility
A devastating blaze engulfed the hazardous waste management facility PT Desa Air Cargo, located in the Kabil Industrial Hazardous Waste Management Area (KPLI-B3) in Nongsa, Batam, on Monday, June 23, 2025. The fire, which erupted around 9:00 PM local time, sent plumes of smoke into the sky and triggered emergency responses from the Batam Fire and Rescue Agency.
The location previously made headlines for being the official site where the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) destroyed a massive haul of 2 tons of methamphetamine. Its notoriety heightened public concern as the fire raged through the night.
Fire Originated From Chemical Storage
According to Ariastuty Sirait, Deputy for Public Services at the Batam Business Agency (BP Batam), the fire is believed to have started in a chemical storage warehouse. “It began in the corner of one of the warehouses and rapidly spread,” she said during a phone interview. Eyewitnesses and responders reported multiple explosions from inside the facility, likely caused by drums containing flammable chemical liquids.
Efforts to control the fire were hindered by the volatile nature of the waste stored on-site, extending firefighting operations well into the night. Fortunately, officials have confirmed there were no casualties.
Chemical Risk and Containment Efforts
Tuti, as Ariastuty is commonly known, explained that while the fire posed a significant risk due to its chemical contents, it has since been brought under control. Immediate action was taken to prevent environmental contamination, with BP Batam coordinating with PLN to cut electricity and reduce hazards in the surrounding area.
Authorities from the Batam Industrial Police (Ditpam) have secured the site to ensure no toxic waste escapes beyond the facility’s perimeter. Monitoring is ongoing to evaluate the environmental impact, especially on nearby residential zones.
Drug Destruction Site Revisited
The incident has reignited attention due to the facility’s prior role in narcotics disposal. PT Desa Air Cargo was used by the BNN to incinerate two tons of methamphetamine during a high-profile operation. Tuti emphasized that the entire drug stock was completely incinerated at the time. “There is no residue; everything was destroyed in the incinerator,” she clarified.
While the fire raised speculation about remaining narcotics, officials have swiftly quashed such concerns.
The Batam fire underscores the risks involved in operating hazardous waste facilities and the urgent need for strict safety measures. It also revives public memory of Indonesia’s aggressive war on drugs. For Indonesians and Singaporeans alike, especially those concerned about cross-border environmental and safety standards, the incident serves as a reminder of how industrial mishaps can have regional consequences.
Sources: Kompas (2025) , Batam News Online (2025)
Keywords: Batam Fire, PT Desa Air Cargo, B3 Waste Facility, Meth Incineration, Chemical Explosion, Nongsa Incident
