Firefighter Dies While Battling Blaze at Illegal Dumpsite in East Jakarta

A firefighter has died while battling a blaze at an illegal waste disposal site in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta. The fire, which broke out on Saturday morning, produced thick plumes of smoke and required a significant response.

According to the DKI Jakarta Fire and Rescue Service (Gulkarmat), the fire was reported at 07:02 WIB. A total of 10 fire engines and 50 personnel were deployed to the scene. Among them was Andriyono, the head of the Cipayung Sector fire brigade. Bayu Megantara, Head of the DKI Jakarta Gulkarmat Service, stated that Andriyono was tasked with locating water sources and was not directly at the point of extinguishing the fire. While connecting hoses, he suddenly complained of chest pains, and colleagues immediately sought medical assistance.

The operation to control the fire took approximately four hours, with the blaze localised by 11:35 WIB. Andriyono received initial medical treatment at the illegal dumpsite on Jalan Penggilingan Baru before being evacuated to Harapan Bunda Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 13:30 WIB. Officials confirmed he had a history of heart disease. The cooling-down phase of the operation commenced at 13:15 WIB.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government expressed its deepest condolences and pledged to ensure the deceased’s rights are fulfilled. Following the incident, the government announced the illegal dumpsite would be closed. The DKI Jakarta Environment Agency will gradually remove waste from the site, starting with areas unaffected by the fire. Authorities will also tighten supervision to prevent recurring illegal dumping, with Civil Service Investigators and Satpol PP set to investigate and impose strict sanctions on violators.