Fire destroys market

PURBALINGGA, Central Java: Fire razed the biggest traditional market here on Wednesday night destroying more than 1,000 kiosks and causing billions of rupiah in losses.

No fatalities were reported.

An eye witness, Pariyanto, 40, told The Jakarta Post at the accident site on Wednesday that the two fire engines that arrived soon after the fire broke out had difficulty entering the compound.

"We don't know how the fire started. I was only aware of the fire after some kiosks had already burned down. It was about 7:30 p.m."

At least 10 fire trucks from neighboring towns of Kebumen, Banyumas and Banjarnegara were deployed to put out the fire, which also razed houses adjacent to the market.

The fire was brought under control by 4 a.m. on Thursday leaving the market totally destroyed.

Purbalingga Police chief Comr. Sukamto Handoko told reporters on Thursday that total losses could reach Rp 20 billion, judging from the fact that the kiosks were full of merchandise, including textiles and electronic goods.

"We have yet to find out what caused the fire. We are waiting for forensic laboratory test results from the provincial police headquarters in Semarang," said Sutanto.

"I cannot say whether or not it was arson," he said, responding to comments that certain parties may have caused the fire following the local administration's plan to relocate the market. Traders had expressed their objections to the plan.

Purbalingga regent Triyono Budi Sasongko and the regency legislators agreed to make temporary shelters available for the 1,200 traders. (45/sur)