Fire that hit Pasar Senen, Central Jakarta, and Pasar Rumput, South Jakarta, indicates poor market management in Jakarta. As a matter of fact, PD Pasar Jaya, as the party that runs the markets in the capital city, admits that out of 153 markets in Jakarta, 47 are prone to fire.

Out of 153 markets in Jakarta, 47 markets have not been rejuvenated. These 47 are prone to fire because their buildings are already old, more than 20 years

Besides the buildings are already old and must be rejuvenated, the electrical installation in some markets is unfeasible. What is worse is that some markets are also not equipped with fire extinguishers.

“ Out of 153 markets in Jakarta, 47 markets have not been rejuvenated. These 47 are prone to fire because their buildings are already old, more than 20 years . Most of those markets are located in North Jakarta,” stated PD Pasar Jaya Director, Djangga Lubis, when he visited fire location in Pasar Rumput, Monday (4/28).

According to Lubis, in the near future Jakarta Provincial Government will inject Rp 1 trillion as additional capital for market rejuvenation.

“That is just additional capital, considering we already have our own fund. The first to be rejuvenated is Pasar Senen. As for Pasar Rumput, its rejuvenation awaits direction from Housing Ministry which will integrate the market with flat,” he uttered.

For the markets that have not been rejuvenated, Lubis added, PD Pasar Jaya has coordinated with related units to minimize fire incident.

“We’re actively cooperating with Fire and Disaster Handling Department, often training with them. We also provide light fire extinguishers in the markets due to many hydrants are malfunctioned,” he said.