Police suspect arson in Ancol fire

Police suspect arson in Ancol fire

JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta police chief Lt. Col. Edi Darnadi has suspected foul play in the fire that gutted the Mystery Castle in the Fantasy Land complex at Ancol Dreamland recreation center in North Jakarta on Sunday night.

"I don't rule out the possibility of arson. I also do not rule out the possibility it was done for the insurance money," Edi said on Monday.

The blaze, which occurred on the third day of the Moslem holiday of Idul Fitri, caused at least Rp 25 billion (US$11.5 million) in material losses, Antara reported.

Edi said so far 12 witnesses have been questioned about the fire. "Although following our preliminary questioning we have yet to conclude anything, we will continue our intensive investigations into the real cause of the fire," he asserted

Four of the 12 witnesses are junior and high school students. They were identified as Ang, 18, Su, 18, Is, 16 and Sup, 15 and are employees of the recreation center. Is and Sup are girls.

According to witnesses the fire started at 8:55 p.m and was put out three hours later.

The fire broke out while the last group of people visiting the castle were still inside.

On a separate occasion, Pademangan police precinct chief Major I Ketut Sunartha said the police are having problems investigating the cause of the fire.

"Our investigation is running into problems because of a lack of evidence and witnesses who really watched when the fire first broke out," Ketut explained.

He didn't rule out the possibility that a carelessly discarded cigarette butt may have been the cause of the fire.(bas)