No clue on arson charges

BOGOR (JP): The site where 144 temporary kiosks were gutted at the Kebon Kembang market Thursday was still being cleared yesterday by traders and township employees.

Meanwhile, Bogor Police Chief Col. Dadang Garnida said police were still investigating the cause of the fire, suspected as arson by traders.

Traders cited a witness as saying there was a plastic bag with remains of gasoline and kerosene found at the scene.

Bogor township spokesman Hari Harsono said yesterday new temporary kiosks at the site would be rebuilt for free soon after the completion of a thorough investigation.

Hari said the township would concentrate on clearing the debris before they would start rebuilding the temporary kiosks.

Besides the 144 gutted kiosks, another 45 were damaged by looters.

The kiosks were set up a few days after a fire destroyed the Kebon Kembang market last year, killing 10 department store employees.

The administration is scheduled to replace the former three- story market building that was gutted with two buildings, one with eight floors and another with six floors, starting next month.

Before last year's fire, the market also fell victim to fires in 1956, 1976 and 1986. (24/04)