Major Fire in Kemayoran: Riano Highlights Importance of Mitigation
The Jakarta Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) has highlighted the critical need for fire prevention and mitigation systems in densely populated areas following a major fire that struck the Kebon Kosong area in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Monday night (1/6).
“This proves that fire mitigation and prevention efforts remain weak. Preventive measures should have been in place following previous incidents. It is particularly concerning as this occurred in the same area,” said Jakarta DPRD Legislator Riano P. Ahmad in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He noted that the recurring incident in the Pasar Jiung area indicates weaknesses in the monitoring and prevention systems that should have been strengthened after previous fires. He expressed deep concern that hundreds of families have once again fallen victim to a disaster allegedly triggered by similar causes.
Riano emphasised that densely populated areas, such as Pasar Jiung, should be the top priority in the local government’s fire prevention programmes. He suggested that measures such as mapping fire-prone areas, educating the public on electrical safety, and conducting regular inspections of electrical installations must be carried out continuously.
“If the cause is the same, it means it could have been prevented. Education and mitigation must be strengthened, especially in highly vulnerable, crowded areas. We can achieve zero accidents,” Riano stated.
Furthermore, he noted that the fire, which destroyed hundreds of buildings in Pasar Jiung, demonstrates the high vulnerability of the capital’s dense residential areas. One urgent measure proposed is a thorough audit of electrical installations in high-risk zones.
In addition to electrical audits, Riano urged the Jakarta Provincial Government to tighten supervision of buildings that do not yet possess a Certificate of Functionality (SLF). Building safety must be a serious priority to reduce the potential for fire and other disasters.
“Electrical installation audits are vital. We must not wait until after an incident to act, only to see no follow-up measures once the situation has calmed,” Riano added.
He further emphasised that government attention should not end with firefighting and emergency response. The local government must ensure that all basic needs of the victims are met during the recovery period, addressing both physical needs and the mental health of those who have lost their homes and belongings.
“The government must be fully present, not only in emergency handling but also in ensuring the well-being of victims, including providing psychological support for children,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Central Jakarta Sub-department of Fire and Rescue (Sudin Gulkarmat) recorded that 620 individuals from 330 households lost their homes due to the Kemayoran fire on Monday night.
“There are approximately 620 people who have lost their homes,” said the Head of Central Jakarta Sudin Gulkarmat, Syarifudin, in Jakarta on Tuesday. He detailed that 500 victims resided in RT 12 to RT 16, RW 4, while 120 victims were located in RT 01-03, RW 5, Kebon Kosong.