Legislator Urges Public to Heighten Vigilance for Fire Prevention

Jakarta Legislative Council Commission D Chairwoman, Yuke Yurike has warned the public against the indiscriminate burning of waste amidst increasingly dry environmental conditions. Such practices pose a significant risk of triggering uncontrollable fires.

The fire risk is extremely high right now

Yuke noted that the fire risk in Jakarta is currently critical, necessitating heightened vigilance not only from residents but also from building and neighborhood managers.

"The fire risk is extremely high right now. There should be no trash burning or similar activities during this dry season," she expressed, Thursday (9/3).

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She pointed out that unresolved waste management issues have contributed to the rise of illegal trash burning. Vacant lots used as makeshift landfills are frequently set on fire, despite arid conditions allowing flames to spread with dangerous speed.

"Even if the situation feels urgent due to delays in trash collection, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and refrain from burning waste. Once a fire ignites, it spreads incredibly fast. We can never truly guarantee that a small fire will remain under control," she explained.

Yuke urged that all fire safety equipment undergo a re-examination. It is crucial to ensure that hydrants, fire extinguishers, and other life-saving gear are both present and fully operational.

Specific attention must be paid to the expiration dates of fire extinguishers. She also stressed the importance of frequent outreach regarding fire mitigation and evacuation drills, especially in Jakarta’s high-density urban areas, to ensure residents are prepared for any emergency.

She underscored that fire prevention must be a collective responsibility. Blazes, she noted, not only endanger residents and the environment but also risk further deteriorating Jakarta’s air quality.

"With wildfires occurring in various regions, we certainly don’t want Jakarta to become an additional contributor to pollution," she explained.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung recently spearheaded the 'Jaga Jakarta' rally, a strategic move to unite various sectors against the looming threat of an extended drought and the El Niño cycle, forecasted to last through early 2027.

The city is taking proactive measures, deploying over 1,000 personnel and nearly 30 water tankers to combat drought, declining air quality, and fire risks in crowded neighborhoods. Affected residents can access immediate support via the 112 emergency service and PAM Jaya.

Besides instructing rapid response and strict supervision by regional agencies, Pram urged the public to conserve water, remain alert for electrical short circuits, and safeguard the environment from potential fire triggers.