RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - The Tangerang Regency Administration has prohibited local fishermen from selling their catch along the coastline, a precautionary measure following suspected chemical contamination linked to a warehouse fire at PT Biotek Saranatama.

Head of Tangerang Fisheries Agency, Rudi Hartono, urged coastal residents not to consume or sell fish found dead near the shore. “We advise our fishermen, especially those operating close to the coastline, to avoid catching fish in these areas,” Rudi said on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Authorities are currently awaiting laboratory test results on water samples from the Cisadane River, conducted by the Regency’s Environmental Agency. The Fisheries Office has also coordinated with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries’ Fish Health and Environmental Testing Center.

“We are still waiting for the lab results, which should be available in about 10 days,” Rudi added.

Meanwhile, fishermen along the northern coast of Tangerang have demanded accountability from PT Biotek Saranatama, whose chemical warehouse fire in South Tangerang is believed to have caused widespread pollution. The contamination has reportedly killed marine life and disrupted coastal ecosystems.

Shrimp, shellfish, and fish farms have been affected, forcing many fishermen to halt operations out of concern that their catch is unsafe for consumption.

Eko, a fisherman from Tanjung Kait, Teluknaga, described visible changes in seawater conditions. “The water looks oily and full of particles sticking together. How are we supposed to survive? We have families to feed. This pollution has hit us directly, and we demand responsibility from the warehouse owner,” he said.

Local fishermen remain anxious about their livelihoods as they await official findings, while government agencies continue to monitor the environmental impact of the chemical spill. ***

This article has been published by RRI National News: Tercemar Kimia, Pemkab Tangerang Larang Nelayan Jual Ikan