Skyscrappers lack fire safety systems
JAKARTA (JP): More than 700 high-rise buildings in the city fall short of the fire safety requirement called for in a provincial decree.
The head of the city fire brigade, Suharso, said yesterday that none of the high-rise buildings have met the fire protection standards set by decree No.3/1993.
"Most do not hold fire drills for their employees. Others lack adequate fire safety devices," he said.
When asked about the brigade's obligation to evaluate a building when it applies for a permit, Suharso said that the buildings are usually approved even if they are not equipped with the proper equipment.
"A recommendation is given with a notification that the building has not yet met the requirements and the owners are given time to fulfill them," he said.
However, he said, no one checks to see if the buildings owners fulfill their promises or not.
Recently, an insurance company revealed that most buildings in Indonesia, including Jakarta, are not equipped with adequate fire precaution systems, making fire insurance coverage in Indonesia three times more expensive than in any other country.
Suharso also said the decree, which stipulates that anyone who violates regulations faces three months in prison or a Rp 50,000 fine, should contain technical guidance.
The punishment, he said, is not effective because it's too light for the owners. The city administration should impose administrative sanctions and refuse to give a recommendation for the building, or revoke the building's development permit and close it down.
"But sanctions cannot be enforced without technical guidance," he said, adding that the decree is still being reviewed by the administration.
Suharso said from January to April 8, 181 fires in the city killed eight people and injured 17 others.
The losses caused by fires in 1996 has reached Rp 20 billion, and 5,815 people have been left homeless.
According to data provided by the brigade, from 1991 to 1994 there were 3,968 fires in Jakarta, causing Rp 251 billion in losses. (yns)