Jakarta Strengthens Resident Preparedness Against Fires

The Jakarta provincial government is intensifying efforts to bolster resident preparedness against fires, particularly as the dry season increases risks. This initiative focuses on empowering communities to take immediate action, as demonstrated in a recent incident in Menteng, Central Jakarta.

When a fire broke out in the Menteng settlement, residents did not passively wait for the fire department. Several neighborhood heads (RT) immediately deployed portable fire extinguishers (APAR) and initiated initial containment efforts. Oke Atmadja, head of RT 09/RW 08 Menteng, credited this swift action and the availability of APAR for preventing the fire from spreading further into the residential area.

This community-level response is a cornerstone of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government's strategy to mitigate fire risks in densely populated areas where fire can spread rapidly and access for fire trucks can be challenging. The "Gerakan Masyarakat Punya APAR" (Gempar) program, or "Community Movement to Own Fire Extinguishers," is central to these efforts. Gempar not only promotes the widespread availability of APAR but also includes training and the formation of volunteer teams to equip residents with initial response capabilities.

Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung, has urged residents to remain vigilant during the prolonged dry season, warning that simple negligence, such as carelessly discarding cigarette butts or electrical short circuits, can trigger fires. The provincial government also advises residents to regularly check electrical installations, avoid open burning, and ensure fire extinguishers are readily available in homes and businesses. The Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD DKI) notes that hot conditions and strong winds during the dry season exacerbate fire risks.

The Gempar program, reinforced by Governor's Instruction Number 5 of 2025, aims to equip every RT level with APAR, especially in densely populated settlements that are difficult for fire engines to access. The Head of the DKI Jakarta Fire and Rescue Service, Bayu Meghantara, stated that the procurement of APAR for RTs is a phased annual process, prioritizing areas with higher vulnerability. He emphasized that the availability of equipment must be matched by the community's ability to use it, hence the focus on education, simulations, and volunteer training. Meghantara noted that small fires are easily extinguished, while larger ones require professional intervention.