Fire kills one on Jl. Jaksa

JAKARTA: A fire swept through at least 11 houses on Jl. Jaksa, a popular hangout for foreign backpackers, in Kebon Sirih subdistrict, Central Jakarta on Sunday afternoon, killing one resident.

Witnesses said the fire broke out at 3:30 p.m. and might have started at a house belonging to a person that neighbors identified as Budiman, who was not at home.

At least on body was found, identified as Slamet, 50, was found in the bathroom of one of the houses gutted by the fire, they added.

Suwangga, a fire fighter, said the cause of the fire as well the value of the material losses were still unknown.

"The fire was extinguished by 11 fire engines," he added.

A publican on the street told The Jakarta Post that the fire broke out on Gang VII behind the B.F.C. cafe, and it was likely caused by malfunctioning kerosene stove.

The fire is now being investigated by the Central Jakarta Police.

Meanwhile a number of foreign tourists renting houses or staying in hotels on Jl. Jaksa rushed outside as the blaze was in close proximity to their accommodation. -- JP