Firetrap nightspots face closure

Firetrap nightspots face closure

Damar Harsanto, Jakarta

Governor Sutiyoso threatened on Monday to close down 70 percent
of the capital's 612 entertainment centers if they did not comply
with Bylaw No. 3/1992 on fire systems, as only 30 percent were
known to maintain active safety measures against fires.

"I will announce to the public which entertainment centers do
not meet the compulsory fire safety standards. They will be given
some time to improve their fire systems, but if they do not make
the deadline, I will close them down," he said at City Hall after
a meeting with the Jakarta Fire Department.

The bylaw includes a clause that allows the city to warn
building managements about fire system compliance before it may
close down the buildings and/or punish the responsible parties to
a maximum five months in jail and a maximum Rp 5 million
(US$549.45) fine.

Higher fire system standards are stipulated under the bylaw
for entertainment centers and office buildings compared to
residences.

Fire department also announced that 38 percent of around 900
high-rise buildings in the city failed to meet the required fire
safety standard.

"I will set up a special team led by Assistant to the City
Secretary for Administration and Apparatuses Affairs Moerdiman to
monitor the entertainment centers," Sutiyoso said.

Jakarta fire chief Johnny Pangaribuan welcomed the initiative,
as the team had a crucial role to play in coordinating city
agencies in handling fire safety issues.

"The most important thing is coordination in the field," he
said.

Johnny has repeatedly voiced the difficulties firefighters
faced in reaching fires due to narrow access roads and dummy
hydrants, mostly in slums.

In addition, different agencies issue permits that enable
homeowners to convert their houses into places of business
without altering the buildings' structure accordingly, including
their fire systems.

Entertainment centers -- bars, music clubs, discotheques and
karaoke bars -- are considered to be potential deathtraps in the
case of a fire, as most centers' managements do not install fire
exits and emergency stairs in the buildings.

"Even in developed countries, most fires at entertainment
centers usually claim a large number of fatalities," Johnny said.

With 364 fires in Jakarta this year already that have killed
11 people and injured 28, the probability for such a tragedy
happening here is high. Moreover, fire department data shows an
increasing trend of fires in the last three years: 729 cases in
2001, 837 cases in 2002 and 854 in 2003.

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Fire safety standards for commercial buildings:

1. Building must be located in an area with proper fire engine

access. Those located more than 100 meters from a major road

must provide hydrants.

2. Flammable items must be stored in secure areas with regular

monitoring.

3. Areas of the building prone to fires must have fire alarms and

automatic sprinklers. Portable fire extinguishers must be available

at least every 20 meters.

4. Emergency exits must be made of fireproof materials and must be

clear of any obstructions, and must be illuminated at all times.

5. A building and its premises must have at least one hydrant per

800 square meters.

6. Buildings more than 14 meters tall must be equipped with

a ventilation system, especially in emergency exits.

Source: Bylaw No. 3/1992