Jakarta Urged to Strengthen Fire Prevention in Densely Populated Areas

Jakarta City Council (DPRD) Commission A member Manuara Siahaan has urged the Jakarta Provincial Government to strengthen fire prevention efforts in densely populated and underprivileged residential areas. One proposed measure is to reduce fire risks caused by electrical short circuits.

Reduce fire risks caused by electrical short circuits

According to Manuara, fires often occur due to negligence or accidents, with electrical short circuits and unsafe gas use among the key risks in Jakarta.

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He said the Jakarta Provincial Government should conduct a comprehensive study to identify the causes of frequent fires in densely populated areas. The findings would help guide the development of targeted prevention measures.

"I am working on a proposal that I will submit to the head of the Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency, specifically for addressing fire risks in underprivileged residential areas," Manuara said Thursday (10/15).

He proposed that the provincial government consider installing additional safety devices in residents' electrical systems. According to Manuara, these devices would function similarly to a miniature circuit breaker (MCB), automatically cutting off the power supply when a fault occurs, such as a short circuit or an overload, to reduce the risk of fire.

Manuara said the proposal should be studied in collaboration with state-owned electricity company, PT PLN (Persero), to ensure that its implementation meets electrical installation safety standards. He also urged the Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency to conduct a study in 2027 as a basis for developing and implementing the proposed prevention measures.

"This is important, considering that Jakarta still has nearly 200 slum RWs. Some residents in these areas are low-income households who need government support to make their homes safer," he explained.

However, Manuara stressed that installing safety devices alone would not be enough to prevent fires. Compliance with electrical installation safety standards and cautious behavior by residents remain essential.

He also plans to involve the Institute of Technology at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Engineering in a study to identify the causes of fires in denaely populated areas and develop practical prevention measures for the Jakarta Provincial Government.

"We need to help these residents because they are our people, too. We could introduce these safety devices and install them in their homes to help prevent fires caused by electrical short circuits," he said.