Skyscrappers lack fire safety systems
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)