DPRD Ensures Needs of 19 Orphanage Children Are Met Following Fire

Members of the NTT DPRD, Fernando Soares, and Kupang City DPRD Chairman Richard Odja visited the Guardian Holy Angel Catholic Orphanage in Naikoten I Ward, Kupang City, which was ravaged by fire on Wednesday (13/5/2026). They ensured that the response was proceeding well and that the needs of the orphanage children were being met.

The fire that engulfed nearly the entire orphanage building occurred around 1:00 PM WITA on Wednesday. Fernando and Richard met directly with the orphanage’s person in charge, Sister Marisa Da Costa, and coordinated with the Naikoten I Ward community for the evacuation process.

“Our presence here is a form of concern for the orphanage children and their caregivers,” said Fernando.

He expressed gratitude that, although the orphanage building was completely destroyed by the fire, all the children and orphanage staff were safe with no loss of life.

“We are also building communication with the Kupang City Social Services Office and the NTT Provincial Government. This step is taken so that the handling of the fire’s impact can be carried out quickly, allowing them to rest well tonight,” he stated.

He hoped that the government, together with the community, would collaborate to help restore the orphanage facilities so that child care activities could return to normal.

The fire at the Guardian Holy Angel Catholic Orphanage is suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit. Eyewitness Steven Pello (51), a resident of RT 09/RW 04 in Naikoten I Ward, said the fire first appeared from the electricity meter. The flames then spread to the frontmost room of the orphanage.

“Suspected electrical current. Suddenly, a mattress caught fire in the frontmost room,” said Steven.

He stated that nearly all items inside the orphanage were burned. “Almost all the items were burned,” he said.

Steven explained that at the time of the incident, he and other residents were attending a funeral prayer procession for a local resident near the location.

“We were attending prayers for a funeral behind the orphanage when suddenly there were shouts of fire. Fortunately, there were no casualties in this incident,” he clarified.

The orphanage is home to 19 children, consisting of 10 boys and 9 girls, along with four sisters responsible for their care.