East Jakarta Fire and Rescue Sub-District Office Forms Firefighting Volunteers in Jatinegara

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The East Jakarta Fire and Rescue Sub-District Office (Sudin Gulkarmat) has formed a Firefighting Volunteer Group (Redkar) consisting of 25 individuals in Balimester Ward, Jatinegara District. “A total of 25 members of the Firefighting Volunteer Group (Redkar) have been established in Balimester Ward,” said Head of the Prevention Section of the East Jakarta Fire and Rescue Sub-District Office, Edi Parwoko, in Jakarta on Wednesday. He stated that the formation of Redkar is part of efforts to prevent and minimise fire risks in densely populated environments. “Redkar members come from community elements, such as RT/RW administrators, civil defence (hansip), youth organisations (Karang Taruna), and PKK (Family Empowerment and Welfare) cadres,” Edi explained. He added that his office also provides guidance, socialisation, and education on fire prevention and management. “Participants received practical training, ranging from the use of portable fire extinguishers (APAR), extinguishing with wet sacks, to hose installation techniques,” Edi clarified. “We hope that supporting facilities and infrastructure for Redkar’s work, including APAR, will be adequately available,” said Yanto. According to data from the DKI Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency, around 922 fire cases occurred in Jakarta from January 2025 to mid-July 2025. West Jakarta recorded the highest number of fires, reaching 260 cases, followed by East Jakarta with 242 cases. The most frequently burned objects were residential buildings with 345 incidents, public and commercial buildings with 197 incidents, and vehicles with 42 incidents. Furthermore, 61 percent of fire causes are suspected to be due to electrical problems, including electrical components not meeting Indonesian National Standards (SNI), installations that do not meet operational standards, or public negligence in managing electricity at home or in the office.