Shoddy electricity causes most fires

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: More than half of the many fires that gut houses and other buildings in the country are blamed on electric short circuits and poorly qualified personnel, an expert says.

Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Electrical Engineers Djoko Darwanto said that to curb the number of fires, the country required more experts in electrical engineering.

Law No. 20/2002 on electricity gives the association the authority to issue certificates of competence for individuals and firms working in the electricity sector.

Djoko suggested that regional governments ban companies that failed to obtain the necessary operating certificates. -- Antara