Everybody needs a hero

Anybody who watched documentaries on the Sept. 11, 2001 World Trade Center tragedy must have been impressed by the firefighters' bravery. People undoubtedly learned how to fully appreciate firefighters.

Compared to the Sept. 11 outrage in New York, which killed thousands of innocent people, the fire that killed one firefighter in Jakarta on Monday could be considered less of a tragedy. The similarity is in the heroic story of the firefighters, who in Indonesia are considered part of the unprestigious blue-collar class.

Subandi, head of South Jakarta's Sector VI Tebet Fire Department, was killed in a fire that destroyed 1,500 kiosks at Blok M market, also in South Jakarta, on Monday. Subandi became trapped in the burning building after making sure that four of his men were safe from the thick smoke resulting from an explosion on the third floor of the market building.

Subandi's death may have been no big deal to some people. It is no secret that some firemen in Jakarta abuse their profession. Many believe that firemen discriminate when fighting fires, such as by responding to fire reports in upmarket residential areas quicker than to fires in slums. The belief is that firemen anticipate receiving money for their services from wealthier home owners, whereas slum dwellers have little to give.

Slum dwellers have on occasion complained that firemen hose down the walls and roofs of luxury houses adjacent to burning shanties to prevent fire from spreading to the luxury houses, upon requests from house owners who pay the firemen to protect their property.

It is claims such as this that have led many to dismiss Subandi's death merely as an occupational hazard.

There may be some who sincerely commiserate over Subandi's death as they realize Subandi gave his best to his profession. Unscrupulous firefighters are another matter.

Subandi made the ultimate sacrifice in his job and was one public servant who illustrated noble dedication to his job.

There should be proper appreciation for people like Subandi who make the capital city more livable.

At a time when the country lacks people with true dedication, Subandi could be considered a hero. Subandi made sure that all his subordinates escaped the fierce fire, succumbing to the thick smoke just seconds after his subordinates managed to escape the inferno.

Being a firefighter in Jakarta is rife with danger.

Both Jakarta residents and the administration obviously lack awareness of fire safety requirements. The more than 350 fires taking place between January and July this year indicate that people's awareness of fire safety requirements needs improvement.

Not all tall buildings have proper fire safety systems, including fire exits, aside from requirements that have to be met by developers when constructing buildings. This indicts poor enforcement of regulations.

Markets belonging to city-owned market company PD Pasar Jaya are among buildings with poor fire precautions. Fire exits are turned into areas to do business at many markets. When a fire breaks out, it is difficult for traders to escape. That most fire hydrants do not have adequate water is another reality.

This all clearly shows the city administration's poor attention to the fire department.

The fire department is usually allotted only a small amount of money by the administration for its regular budget. With very limited funds, the fire department finds it hard to repair and maintain its equipment.

The fire department has around 150 old fire engines plus 30 ladder trucks. Some of them are no longer operable and at least 15 of them are in poor condition. The head of Jakarta Fire Department, Johny Pangaribuan, once said that ideally, the city should have 265 fire trucks.

The Jakarta Fire Department also lacks personnel. Sixty-five percent of its 2,000 firefighters are over 45 years old, and 30 percent are over 50. Only 5 percent are between 20 and 35 years old. Salary is another sore point. A senior firefighter is paid around Rp 1 million per month.

Subandi was just one of many firefighters working under such conditions. He was 45 years old, about 20 years older than the ideal age for a firefighter.

Subandi may not have been at his prime for such a tough job. Or perhaps he was not really fit to be a fireman, on duty at the Blok M fire, because, like his colleagues, he was just a civil servant who was recruited by the city administration.

No one will ever really know why he lost his life.

In any case, the administration must acknowledge that Subandi acted like a hero, who did his best for his city.