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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Disasters & Emergencies

Jakarta Bapenda Building Fire: Crews Continue Operations Amid Lingering Smoke

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Firefighters continued post-fire operations at the Jakarta Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda) building on Saturday morning after a major blaze the previous night.
  • Crews were conducting cooling and overhaul operations to extinguish residual heat and prevent reignition, with no visible flames remaining.
  • The cause of the fire, which affected floors 11 through 16, is under investigation, with initial findings pointing to the 11th floor where renovation work was ongoing.

A strong smell of smoke and burning debris lingered in the air Saturday morning near the Jakarta Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda) building, where firefighting crews continued post-fire operations. Around 12 HydroSub 60 firefighting vehicles and four water tanker trucks were parked along Abdul Muis Road as crews worked to extinguish any remaining hot spots.

The 16-story building had been engulfed in a major fire the previous night, impacting floors 11 through 16. Firefighters were conducting an overhaul operation to ensure no embers remained, according to Karnawan, the Central Jakarta Fire and Rescue Service's duty officer. No flames were visible by Saturday morning.

This morning, we are carrying out cooling and overhaul operations because there are still areas with residual heat. We must make sure nothing is missed to prevent the fire from breaking out again.

— KarnawanCentral Jakarta Fire and Rescue Service's duty officer, explaining the ongoing post-fire operations.

Initially, 35 fire engines and three Bronto Skylift aerial units were deployed. The cause of the fire remains unknown, though initial indications suggest it started on the 11th floor, which was undergoing renovation. The Forensic Laboratory Center will conduct a full investigation.

No fatalities were reported, but one individual was hospitalized for breathing difficulties. The Jakarta Metropolitan Police deployed 125 personnel to secure the area, and police were questioning witnesses, with 10 people interviewed by Saturday morning. Central Jakarta Police Chief Commissioner Reynold EP Hutagalung emphasized the importance of ensuring unimpeded access for firefighters.

Our presence here is to ensure security, particularly to ensure access for firefighters from the beginning so their work is not obstructed or disrupted.

— Reynold EP HutagalungCentral Jakarta Police Chief Commissioner, on the police presence at the scene.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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