City police told to investigate fires

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso has asked the city police to help investigate the possibility of arson in a series of fires in Central, East, South and North Jakarta over the past two months.

He told reporters on Monday that he did not rule out the possibility of arson, but he called on the people to patiently wait for the results of the investigation.

"I have asked the police to investigate the incidents. I admit it is difficult for the police to gather evidence, so it would be better for us to be patient," he reiterated.

Sutiyoso was referring to reports of residents attempting to stop firefighters from approaching fire sites and vandalizing their equipment, suggesting the residents may have had something to do with the fires.

"If there are people who did so, he or she must be arrested," he said.

He has also asked Jakarta Fire Department chief Suharso to conduct an investigation into the fires as well.

He warned Jakartans to stay vigilant and to create an effective system to help prevent fires in their homes.

In the last two months fire has engulfed at least 10 locations, mostly densely populated areas, throughout the capital.

Last week six major fires were recorded. Five of them were on Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan in Kayu Putih, East Jakarta; Kelapa Gading housing complex in North Jakarta; and on Jl. Raden Saleh in Cikini district, Kampung Bali district and in the basement of three-story Senen shopping center, all in Central Jakarta.

Hundreds of people lost their homes and shops in the fires. (ivy)