Civil Servant Dies in Fire in Central Jakarta's Benhil

A Civil Servant (PNS) named Evi Marita, aged 56, was found dead in a fire that engulfed a residential area in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (21/3/2026). The victim is believed to have died from difficulty breathing due to smoke inhalation.

In addition to claiming a life, the fire that broke out around 7:00 AM WIB destroyed one house and four residents’ motorcycles.

Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Commissioner Reynold EP Hutagalung, explained that the fire occurred around 7:00 AM WIB on Jalan Bahari II, Tanah Abang Subdistrict.

The deceased victim, Evi Marita, was a resident of the house. “The victim who died is believed to have suffered respiratory failure due to the large amount of smoke at the scene,” said Reynold.

One witness saw the fire burning a motorcycle in front of the house, while another witness, who had just finished performing Eid al-Fitr prayers, saw smoke billowing about 100 metres from the location.

Residents attempted to extinguish the fire before eventually contacting the Fire Department. “Because the fire was too large, they eventually called the fire brigade for assistance,” said Reynold.

The fire brigade team arrived shortly afterwards and managed to put out the flames in about half an hour, but unfortunately, the victim’s life could not be saved.