522 Fire Victims in Kemayoran Evacuated to Land Owned by Jusuf Hamka

JAKARTA — Hundreds of residents from RT 002/RW 04, Kebon Kosong Village, Kemayoran District, Central Jakarta, who were impacted by a fire on Monday night (1/6/2026), are currently evacuating to land owned by businessman Jusuf Hamka, popularly known as Babah Alun.

As of Tuesday (2/6/2026), the evacuation site is located approximately 200 metres from the point of the fire. The Head of Kebon Kosong Village, Sunardi, confirmed that the land being used for the evacuation is indeed owned by Jusuf Hamka.

“That is correct, this location belongs to Mr Jusuf Hamka,” Sunardi stated when met at the site. “We are borrowing it. Official letters have been sent to request permission to use the land. It will be used until the fire victims’ situation is fully handled.”

To accommodate the victims, eight large evacuation tents have been erected, housing the elderly, adults, children, and toddlers. Several evacuees were seen resting within the tents, some sleeping, while others conversed with family members or tended to young children.

One resident, Saodah, recounted the harrowing moment the fire broke out. “It was exactly 10:00 pm when the incident happened. I was lying down when I heard a commotion. I looked outside to see what was happening,” she said.

Upon looking out of her house, Saodah discovered flames engulfing her neighbour’s house, which is situated directly across from hers. Given her advanced age and difficulty walking, Saodah grabbed her walking stick and attempted to move away from the blaze.

“Because the fire was already large, the residents were panicking and running. I followed suit, though I had to move slowly using my stick,” Saodah added.