Fire destroys Miss Tjitjih playhouse

Fire destroys Miss Tjitjih playhouse

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta's Miss Tjitjih play house, which was set
up in 1930, was burnt down yesterday in a fire which also razed
at least 350 houses on Jl. Soeprapto, Cempaka Baru, Central
Jakarta.

The center moved several times before moving to the building
in 1987.

At least 800 families became homeless including about 60
actors' families but no casualties were reported.

The buildings destroyed included about 50 small business
including many garment makers.

The fire broke out about 9 a.m. and was put out about 1 p.m.

Witnesses said the fire was caused by an explosion of an air
compressor at a framing shop called Cendrawasih, about 100 meters
from the Miss Tjitjih building.

One of the play house's actors, Boyot, 55, said the building
was renovated just two months ago.

"Tonight, we were supposed to play "The Burning of Nabi
Ibrahim," to celebrate the Moslem Idul Adha holiday. It's hard to
believe that it was the building which actually burnt down,"
Boyot said.

The play house is run by the city and presents mostly
Sundanese cultural performances.

Another actor, Edi Hidayat, said more people watched plays on
Saturday nights.

"We were supposed to get more money tonight ... but we're
suddenly unemployed," Edi said.

Many of the fire victims said few belongings could be saved.

Fire fighters, who allegedly came 90 minutes late, complained
that access alleys were too narrow and water sources too far
away.

A garment business owner, Simon, estimated the fire cost him
Rp 50 million.

Some fire victims took refugee in tents at the nearby Cempaka
Sari hotel's car park. (cst)