Fire in Kebon Kosong Kemayoran Suspected to be Triggered by Electrical Short Circuit

A fire that razed hundreds of semi-permanent buildings in the Kebon Kosong area, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, is suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit. However, Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Commissioner Reynold E. P. Hutagalung, stated that authorities are still conducting investigations to uncover the exact cause of the fire. “(Suspected) the fire was triggered by an electrical short circuit. However, the exact cause is still under investigation,” Reynold said in a statement on Tuesday (2/6).

According to a witness, Darni, who serves as an official for RW 04, the flames were first spotted around 9:00 PM WIB originating from two houses behind her residence. Local residents initially attempted to extinguish the flames using three portable fire extinguishers (APAR) belonging to the RW secretariat. However, the fire rapidly intensified and spread to other buildings within the densely populated area.

Reynold noted that approximately 200 personnel were deployed during the incident to assist residents in salvaging their belongings and to ensure security around the fire site. “We deployed around 200 personnel to help residents evacuate their goods and to ensure the handling process proceeded safely and smoothly,” he said.

The fire struck the residential area in Kebon Kosong, Kemayoran, on Monday (1/6) night. A total of 35 fire engines and 175 personnel were dispatched to the scene. Firefighting efforts began at 9:05 PM WIB, and the blaze was finally extinguished approximately seven hours later, with operations declared complete at 4:15 AM WIB.

According to preliminary data, 250 semi-permanent buildings and approximately 300 families—or roughly 500 individuals—have been affected by the fire. Additionally, three people were reported injured. Two of the victims, identified as Puput and Dika, are receiving treatment at Hermina Kemayoran Hospital, while another victim, Suparno, has been referred to RSCM.