Fire victims plan to rebuild homes

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.