Sun, 26 Jan 2003

Fires have been a chronic problem for Jakartans, especially those living in slum areas. Fires can even break out and rage at the height of the monsoon season. In the first three weeks of this year alone, 51 fires have been reported, with four lives lost and at least Rp 10 billion (US$1.1 million) in financial losses. The Jakarta Post's I Wayan Juniartha and Maria Endah Hulupi have taken a look at the various aspects affecting fires in the city.