Djakarta Theater Catches Fire, Suspected Electrical Short Circuit

A fire struck the Djakarta Theatre building located at Jalan MH Thamrin No. 9, RT 002/001, Kebon Sirih, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday evening (21/7). The incident is strongly suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit.

Marulitua Sijabat, Head of the Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), confirmed that the point of origin was a room in the building’s commercial area.

“The suspicion is that it was caused by an electrical short circuit. The affected area was the XXI kitchen in the Djakarta Theatre building,” Marulitua said when contacted in Jakarta on Tuesday night.

Fortunately, the swift response of officers on the ground prevented the flames from spreading to other, wider areas. According to data from the DKI Jakarta Command Center, the fire report was received at around 21:30 Western Indonesia Time (WIB). Firefighters were immediately dispatched to localise the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other rooms in the historic building.

The extinguishing operation was declared fully completed at 21:50 WIB. In handling the incident, one fire engine with four personnel was deployed to the scene.

Marulitua confirmed that there were no fatalities or injuries in the incident. All visitors and staff in the area were successfully evacuated before the fire grew larger. “Zero casualties, and the extinguishing has been completed,” he affirmed.

Although no lives were lost, the incident caused material losses. Based on initial estimates, the losses incurred from the damage to the XXI kitchen area are estimated at Rp20 million. (Ant/E-3)