Jakarta Fire Destroys 40 Buildings; Bundaran HI Underground Project Nears Mid-Completion

A devastating fire swept through a densely populated residential area in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, engulfing 40 buildings. The blaze reduced 39 semi-permanent homes, commonly known as "rumah bedeng," and one permanent residence to ashes, according to local community leader Dwi.

“

The impacted area includes 40 buildings, 39 semi-permanent homes (rumah bedeng) and one intact permanent home, a resident's house.

Meanwhile, a significant infrastructure project is progressing in the heart of the capital. The development of an underground multi-functional space, or extended concourse, at Bundaran HI has achieved 24% completion. PT Integrasi Transit Jakarta (ITJ), a subsidiary of PT MRT Jakarta, aims to finalize the 4,439-square-meter project by June 2027. ITJ President Director Ferdiansyah Roestam expressed hope that the completion will serve as a gift for Jakarta's 500th anniversary.

“

The target is for this to be a gift for Jakarta's five centuries and to be inaugurated during Jakarta's anniversary celebration.

In response to a negative perception, the Mayor of West Jakarta, Iin Mutmainah, firmly refuted the "Gotham City" label often applied to her jurisdiction. During a community meeting, she asserted that West Jakarta is a safe area, citing ongoing evening activities as evidence against the fictional city's reputation for crime. The report also touched upon other developments, including vocational training programs for inmates at Cipinang Class I Penitentiary and artistic achievements by a local dance troupe.

“

We don't want West Jakarta to be called Gotham City. Is West Jakarta unsafe? Even at night, many of our residents are still playing soccer and being active.