Hydrant iron theft in East Jakarta hampers firefighting water supply
The East Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency (Gulkarmat) has stated that theft of iron components from high-pressure water hydrants can hamper water supply during fires.
“When a fire occurs, these hydrants are used to fulfil the need for water sources. So if we don’t have hydrants, we are really overwhelmed,” said Duren Sawit Sector Firefighter Hendra Butti in Jakarta on Thursday.
Upon receiving a report of hydrant iron theft from residents who came to the location, his team immediately shut off the water flow using a key attached to a bamboo pole. Officers twisted the bamboo pole to stop the water.
Hendra also expressed regret over the theft of hydrant iron, which serves as supporting facilities for officers in extinguishing fires.
According to him, hydrant iron theft has become increasingly rampant lately, not only in the Duren Sawit area of East Jakarta. He therefore hopes that residents and the police can promptly apprehend the perpetrators of hydrant iron theft to create a deterrent effect.
Meanwhile, one eyewitness, Anjar Wijaya, explained that the case was first discovered by a resident while exercising. The resident reported that there was a PAM water leak at the location.
“So, when we arrived, it turned out that the iron for the hose or hydrant connector was already gone. It seems they used a saw first, then a large hammer,” said Anjar.
Residents do not know the identity of the thieves because there are no CCTV cameras pointing at the scene of the incident.
At the time of the incident, the surrounding area where he was on guard was still closed off by a portal gate. He suspects the perpetrators struck around 5:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time, after security personnel opened the complex gate.
“So after it was opened, the guard usually goes straight to perform dawn prayers, so it seems that was when they struck, because we realised it was missing when women who were exercising said the PAM water was leaking at 7:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time,” said Anjar.