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)