Mandatory Fire Extinguishers in Cars, But Not Just for Show

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.COM – The obligation for cars to have an APAR has officially taken effect in January 2021. Since then, new cars have been equipped with a portable fire extinguisher as part of safety standards. However, Jusri Pulubuhu, founder of Jakarta Defensive Driving Consulting (JDDC), reminded that APARs also need to be checked regularly to ensure they function properly when needed. “But simply check it, also examine whether its condition is still fit or not. Can it still emit foam or its liquid? Is it still capable of dissipating a fire or not?” he said. Jusri stressed that merely having an APAR is not enough. Vehicle owners must also ensure that it remains usable. “Most people just have an APAR. Even if it’s 10 years old, it’s fine, as long as there is an APAR cylinder in the car,” he said. According to Sugeng, ideally the APAR should be replaced or refilled every year. However, its service life can reach up to three years if kept in a dry and non-humid place. “An APAR can last up to three years if stored in a dry place,” said Sugeng.