Jakarta, Feb. 12 -- The Ministry of Environment is investigating a fire at a warehouse owned by PT Biotek Saranatama that led to a pesticide spill into the Jeletreng River, a tributary of the Cisadane River, in South Tangerang.

"We will investigate this case through a series of laboratory tests and scientific studies. We urge residents living near the river to stop using river water for daily needs, as it has the potential to cause skin and eye irritation, as well as respiratory problems if the vapors are inhaled," Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said in a statement on Wednesday (February 11).

He said that around 20 tons of pesticide were burned in the fire, while water used to extinguish the blaze mixed with chemical residue ...