Rano: 95 per cent of fires in Jakarta caused by electrical short circuits

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno stated that 95 per cent of fire causes in the Jakarta region originate from electrical short circuits.

“The Jakarta Provincial Government is concerned about these incidents, and once again, what we can do is warn the public that electrical safety must be the first priority. In Jakarta, fires occur on average due to electrical short circuits; based on our survey, it is almost 95 per cent,” Rano said after inspecting a fire site in Kemayoran on Tuesday.

Rano noted that according to preliminary data, the fire at the location affected 304 buildings and impacted 354 heads of households, or 679 individuals. The affected population includes 326 men and 353 women. Among the victims are 35 elderly people, 90 toddlers, 53 primary school children, six junior high school students, 22 vocational high school students, and 414 adults, including pregnant women.

To assist the victims, the Jakarta Provincial Government has prepared several facilities at the evacuation centre located at Yusuf Hamka Field.

“As you can see, we have set up a post at Yusuf Hamka Field, complete with refugee facilities, a health post, a public kitchen, and a psychological support post for children,” said Rano.

Rano admitted that he had intended to inspect the fire site since Monday night, but postponed his visit following advice from the Mayor of Central Jakarta, Arifin, to avoid crowds that might disrupt the emergency response on the ground.

Furthermore, Rano stated that the Jakarta Social Services Department has also distributed various logistical aid, ranging from food and mattresses to clothing and basic necessities for the affected residents. Rano expressed hope that similar incidents would not recur and urged the public to pay closer attention to the safety conditions of their residential environments.