Fire victims plan to rebuild homes

Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta

Fire victims in the Kebon Melati subdistrict, Central Jakarta, were clearing away the debris of their burned houses on Thursday and expressed hope that the city administration would allow them to rebuild their makeshift homes on the state land.

"I want to rebuild my house because we have nowhere else to live," Ismail, 40, one of the victims, said on Thursday.

Ismail, who works as a satay seller, said he had lived in his house -- built on land belonging to state railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia -- for 30 years.

He expressed hope that the administration and the company would allow him and his neighbors to rebuild their homes so they can continue their businesses as small traders at the nearby Tanah Abang market.

For Ismail, even if the administration allows him to stay on the land, he may have to delay his plan to rebuild his home because he has to pay his son's high school fees.

"In the meantime, we can live here in plastic tents," he said.

Ismail is one of as many as 1,160 people whose houses were burned in an inferno on Wednesday. The cause of the fire remains unknown. No fatalities were reported.

At least 30 fire trucks were deployed to put out the fire but the narrow roads in the densely populated area prevented firemen from reaching the location quickly.

With 267 subdistricts, 53 of which experience a high number of fires, Jakarta actually needs around 20,000 hydrants. Currently, there are only about 900 hydrants but 70 percent of them do not work properly.

Saifuddin, a part timer at a state-owned enterprise, said he preferred to live in the area since it was close to his workplace on Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta.

He said that the fire victims would meet to discuss their future, including the possibility of gaining compensation from the administration.

However, the administration has already offered them low-cost apartments.

"Low-cost apartments in high-rise buildings are in line with the administration's policy on housing due to the limited land in residential areas," said administration spokesman Muhayat.

He said that the Central Jakarta Mayor Hosea Petra Lumbun was assigned by Governor Sutiyoso to explain the offer to the fire victims.

Muhayat failed to explain how the victims would get the apartments, saying it would be managed by the City Housing Agency.

The victims rejected the plan.

"How can we afford an apartment. It's expensive. We probably won't even get the chance to have one... the apartments will probably fall into others' hands," said Yayah, as quoted by detik.com.

Presidential hopeful Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono paid a visit to the victims at around 4 p.m., with the people clamoring to meet him.

During the visit, Susilo promised to provide help, but did not say what form of assistance he could give.

Some victims said they that their meals were provided by the administration and also by some political parties.

"We have enough food. If we want, we can eat three or four times a day," said Amir.