Djakarta Theater Catches Fire, Suspected Electrical Short Circuit

A fire broke out at the Djakarta Theater building on Jalan MH Thamrin No. 9, Kebon Sirih, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (21/7) evening. The incident is strongly suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit. Head of the DKI Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Marulitua Sijabat, confirmed that the fire originated from one of the rooms in the building’s commercial area. “It is suspected to be due to an electrical short circuit. The affected object was the XXI kitchen in the Djakarta Theater building,” Marulitua said when confirmed on Tuesday evening. Fortunately, the alertness of officers on the ground prevented the fire from spreading to other, wider areas. Based on data from the DKI Jakarta Command Center, the fire report was received at around 9.30 p.m. Western Indonesia Time. Firefighters were immediately deployed to localise the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other rooms in the historic building. The firefighting operation was declared fully complete at 9.50 p.m. Western Indonesia Time. One fire engine with four personnel was deployed to the scene. Marulitua confirmed there were no fatalities or injuries in the incident. All visitors and staff in the area were successfully evacuated before the fire grew. “There were no casualties, and the fire has been completely extinguished,” he stressed. Although there were no casualties, the incident caused material losses. Based on initial estimates, the damage suffered in the XXI kitchen area is estimated at Rp20 million.