Tambora fire victims in urgent need of clothing, blankets and medication

200 residents (50 households) affected by the fire in Jalan Krendang Barat, Tambora, West Jakarta, urgently need clothing, blankets and medication. As of Friday, 29 May, refugees at temporary shelters reported shortages in these essentials.

The fire broke out Thursday evening, 28 May, and destroyed 27-30 houses in RW 05. Authorities believe it started from an electrical short circuit in a fan, spreading rapidly due to flammable materials in the dense residential area.

Twenty-one fire engines and 100 personnel were deployed, extinguishing the blaze by 23:32 WIB after navigating narrow lanes. Victims are sheltered at Musala Al-Karomah and Musala Al-Hikmah, having lost homes and belongings, including four motorcycles. Authorities confirmed no hidden fires remain after checks on Friday morning and urge caution with electrical appliances to prevent similar incidents.

Jakarta Social Affairs Office has provided trauma counselling for 50 affected children. The disaster affected 113 households, displacing 250 people.

Darto (43), a resident, described how he broke down a door to save his grandchild from the flames.