West Jakarta Mayor urges residents to secure homes before Eid homecoming

Jakarta — The Mayor of West Jakarta, Iin Mutmainnah, has urged local residents planning to return to their hometowns to pay attention to home security and safeguard valuable items before departing for their villages during the Eid 2026/Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah celebrations.

This appeal comes in response to a fire that destroyed 29 houses in Tanah Sereal Village, Tambora District, West Jakarta, in the early hours of Friday.

“Ensure security and electrical safety. Unplug all cables from electrical outlets and deactivate all electronic appliances,” said Iin when contacted in Jakarta.

She also urged residents to report to their local neighbourhood administrators (RT/RW) before leaving their homes to prevent the risk of crime such as theft. Additionally, residents were advised to secure all important documents, including identity certificates and other valuable papers.

“Store these important documents in a safe place to prevent untoward incidents,” Iin said.

A total of 29 houses were destroyed by fire on Jalan Tanah Sereal 13 RT 11/RW 09 Tanah Sereal, Tambora, West Jakarta, in the early hours of Friday.

According to Suheri, Head of the West Jakarta Fire and Rescue Sub-Department (Gulkarmat), residents became aware of the fire at 02:30 WIB (Western Indonesian Time).

“Residents who were playing carom saw convection factory employees running for help to try to extinguish a fire that had broken out in a sewing machine on the first floor,” Suheri explained.

The fire spread rapidly to neighbouring buildings. When fire personnel arrived at the scene, they immediately began fire suppression operations. The department deployed 31 fire engines with 155 personnel to combat the blaze, which covered an area of approximately 1,000 square metres.

As a result of the fire, 58 heads of household (comprising 231 people) were displaced after losing their homes. Additionally, five firefighters were reported injured during the fire suppression operation.