Fire Hydrant in Front of Kelapa Gading Sub-District Office Damaged, Cover Missing and Holed

JAKARTA — A fire hydrant on Jalan Boulevard Timur, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, directly in front of the Kelapa Gading Sub-District Office, has been discovered in a damaged condition. The central part of the hydrant appears holed, and its cover is missing, raising fears that it may not function optimally during emergencies. Kompas.com observations at the site on Thursday (9/4/2026) revealed a large hole in the middle of the red-coloured hydrant, which is the point where fire hoses should be connected. Surrounding it are four red iron poles serving as protective barriers for the hydrant. However, the paint on both the hydrant body and the protective poles appears faded, peeling, and dull. Rust stains are also visible on several parts. Ayu (28), one of the local residents, said the hydrant has been damaged for a long time. “I don’t know exactly when, but since I’ve been here, it’s already damaged. I also don’t know why it became like that,” she said when met by Kompas.com near the location on Thursday. In agreement, Fahmi (40), one of the nearby traders, said the hydrant has likely been damaged for more than three months. “It’s been a long time. It seems like it was already like that before the new year, but I’m not too sure,” he stated. “If it’s that severe, it must have been stolen for the metal. What else could it be to make it so badly holed,” he added.