Five Witnesses Questioned in Investigation of Fire Destroying Hundreds of Homes in Kemayoran

Police have questioned five witnesses to investigate the cause of the fire that struck a densely populated residential area in Kebon Kosting, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. “Up to this point, examinations have been conducted on five witnesses, including the head of the RW 04 community in Kebon Kosong, Mrs Earni,” stated Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Kombes Reynold E.P. Hutagalung, to reporters on Tuesday (2/6).

Reynold noted that investigations are ongoing and police lines have been installed at the suspected point of origin. He added that a crime scene investigation (TKP) is scheduled for Wednesday (3/6) in collaboration with the National Police Forensic Laboratory (Puslabfor).

“Regarding the cause, we are currently gathering statements from witnesses and coordinating with the Head of the Fire Department and fire officers. However, determining the exact source and cause of the fire will ultimately depend on the findings from Puslabfor,” he explained.

The fire struck the densely populated Kebon Kosong area in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Monday (1/6) night. A total of 35 fire engines and 175 personnel were deployed to the scene to combat the blaze. Extinguishing efforts began at 21:05 WIB, and the fire was finally brought under control approximately seven hours later, with operations concluded at 04:15 WIB.

According to preliminary data, 250 semi-permanent buildings and approximately 300 families—roughly 500 individuals—have been affected by the fire. Additionally, three people were reported injured; two victims, identified as Puput and Dika, are receiving treatment at Hermina Kemayoran Hospital, while another victim, Suparno, has been referred to RSCM.