Five Witnesses Questioned in Probe of Kemayoran Fire That Destroyed Hundreds of Homes

Authorities are investigating the cause of a massive fire that ravaged a densely populated area in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. Five witnesses, including a neighborhood head, have been questioned as police work to determine the origin of the blaze. The area where the fire is believed to have started has been cordoned off with police tape.

Forensic police are scheduled to examine the scene on Wednesday. "The cause will naturally be determined by gathering witness statements and coordinating with the Fire Department chief and personnel," stated Central Jakarta Police Chief Kombes Reynold E.P. Hutagalung. "However, determining the source and cause of the fire will be done by Puslabfor [Forensic Laboratory Center]."

The fire broke out Monday night, requiring 35 fire trucks and 175 personnel to combat the flames. The blaze, which started around 9:05 PM WIB, took approximately seven hours to extinguish, with operations concluding at 4:15 AM Tuesday. The fire destroyed an estimated 250 semi-permanent structures, impacting about 300 families, or roughly 500 individuals. Three people sustained injuries, with two receiving treatment at RS Hermina Kemayoran and one referred to RSCM.