"My Child's Graduation is in Two Weeks": Lilis's Despair as Trading Capital is Lost in Kemayoran Fire

Lilis (4s), a resident of RT 002/RW 04, Kebon Kosong, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, appeared despondent at a displacement centre on Tuesday following a fire that broke out on Monday (1/6/2026) night. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Lilis expressed her distress as her house and all its contents were destroyed by the flames.

A mother of two who earns a living selling traditional herbal medicine (jamu), she is also grieving the loss of the cash savings she had accumulated from her trade. “In two weeks, I was planning to return to my hometown for my child’s graduation. My village is in Sukoharjo, Central Java,” she added.

Lilis revealed that the only items salvaged from the house were her family card (KK) and her marriage certificate. Her motorcycle and bicycle were spared as they were parked far from the house.

Following the fire, Lilis and her husband moved to her sibling’s house in Serdang, Kemayoran. Despite the loss of her capital and household goods, she is determined to rebuild her life. She and her husband have already reached out to relatives in Jakarta for help in finding a rental property.

“I have significant responsibilities, as I have two children to support. My husband works as an online driver,” she said. Lilis expressed her hope for government assistance following the disaster, as almost all the residents’ possessions were consumed by the fire.