Advanced MRF-500 Firefighting Robot Shields Jakarta Firefighters in Extreme Conditions
JAKARTA - The Jakarta Provincial Fire and Rescue Department (Gulkarmat) now has advanced technology in the form of robotic units for firefighting operations in extreme-risk locations.
The MRF-500 firefighting robot, imported from China, serves as a new frontline tool for firefighters.
Two MRF-500 units were imported in late 2025, with one stationed at the North Jakarta Fire and Rescue Sub-Division and the other operating with the West Jakarta Fire and Rescue Sub-Division.
“To function in areas prone to casualties, such as basements, high-rise buildings, tunnels, underground railways, which are at risk of collapse, or potential gas leaks and flammable liquids with high explosion risks,” said Tohirudin when interviewed at the West Jakarta Fire and Rescue Sub-Division office on Thursday, 28 May 2026.
In practice, the MRF-500 is typically deployed at the start of firefighting operations if the location is identified as highly dangerous, such as potential building collapse, chemical storage, or toxic smoke.
Additionally, the MRF-500 is equipped with sensors to check indoor air quality for safety or toxic substances.
“Usually deployed at the initial entry stage, as it has sensors to check conditions. Using its camera, we can see the interior conditions and check the air sensors to determine if it’s safe or not,” Tohirudin added.
When the MRF-500 sensors detect hazardous substances, the duty officer or operation commander can immediately order personnel to follow safety protocols when approaching the fire.
In West Jakarta, the robot was first deployed during the Miami Warehouse fire in Kalideres on Monday, 11 May 2026, which engulfed four chemical storage warehouses.
It was later used in the Kapuk plastic factory warehouse fire in Cengkareng on Monday, 18 May 2026, which lasted eight days.
“At both sites, it was extremely challenging. When deploying the robot at Miami and Kapuk, it was found that the air was toxic for personnel, with CO2 levels reaching 250 percent,” Tohirudin said.