East Jakarta Fire Service Intensifies Fire Prevention Campaign During Lebaran Exodus
Jakarta — The Sub-department for Fire Prevention and Rescue (Gulkarmat) in East Jakarta is intensifying public awareness campaigns to prevent fires during the Lebaran exodus in 2026.
“Fire prevention cases continue to be promoted so there are no more fire incidents when residents travel home to their hometowns,” said Muchtar Zakaria, Head of the East Jakarta Gulkarmat Sub-department, in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The awareness campaign was conducted by distributing 1,495 stickers and 1,495 sheets containing advice and fire prevention tips for homes left vacant during the mudik journey.
According to Muchtar, fire prevention is particularly important given that many Jakarta residents are already travelling to their hometowns to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri.
“So we are intensively promoting fire prevention to the public from well in advance at every opportunity,” said Muchtar.
Each Gulkarmat task unit across 65 villages in East Jakarta distributed 23 stickers and 23 notification sheets each.
“Every official in the village places stickers and leaflets in places easily visible to people, such as in RT/RW secretariats, health centres, community notice boards and so forth,” explained Muchtar.
The campaign advises residents to shut off gas regulator valves when travelling away for extended periods and to avoid leaving cookers on. Additionally, residents are cautioned against burning rubbish and discarding cigarette butts carelessly as these pose fire hazards.
“We also remind people not to burn rubbish and dispose of cigarette butts carelessly as they can potentially cause fires,” said Muchtar.
Regarding fire suppression and rescue services, the public can contact emergency number 112 or visit the nearest fire station. These services are free for residents.
Muchtar also urged residents to report their travel plans to their local neighbourhood associations, neighbours or local security personnel before leaving.
Previously, the East Jakarta City Government ordered officials at all levels down to the village level to increase patrols of empty homes during the Lebaran exodus period.
“Later in the group message, I will also emphasise to the District Heads to coordinate at the district level with police chiefs and military commanders regarding empty home patrols,” said East Jakarta Mayor Munjirin on Thursday (12 March).
This measure is being implemented to prevent potential criminal activity, particularly the theft of homes left vacant whilst residents travel to their hometowns.
Furthermore, Munjirin has instructed district heads and village heads to strengthen cross-sectoral coordination to maintain security throughout the Eid al-Fitr holiday period.
Patrols will not only be conducted at security posts but will also target residential neighbourhoods down to the neighbourhood association level in each village.
Munjirin hopes that with regular patrols, the potential for criminal activity in East Jakarta can be reduced.