Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) Commission A Member, Gembong Warsono says optimizing socialization and education, as well as providing Portable Fire Extinguishers (APAR) in each neighborhood (RT) to prevent fire accidents could be realized immediately.

We're optimistic that efforts to prevent fires in Jakarta

"Socialization and education conducted by the Fire and Rescue Agency (Gulkarmat) to Jakartans is important to do to prevent fires, fatalities, and injuries," he expressed, Tuesday (7/11).

He also requested the Gulkarmat Agency to maximize the independent hydrant program, especially in densely populated residential areas and distribute APAR assistance to RT/RW in Jakarta.

"We're optimistic that efforts to prevent fires in Jakarta can be maximally conducted together by involving the community, thus residents are able to protect their own area," he expressed.

According to him, distributing grant aid in the form of fire extinguishers to RT/RW in densely populated areas in Jakarta was easier than the Jakarta Government adding fire station facilities.

"As a result, residents have a high moral responsibility to protect the environment from fire hazards. Procurement of APAR in each RT, especially fire-prone areas, needs to be realized immediately," he asserted.

He explained it must be top priority, as most of the dwellings in the two areas are semi-permanent buildings made of flammable wood.

"Therefore, the Jakarta Government needs to map the area first, the mapping must be clear. Thus, the APAR distribution is right on target. At a minimum, one dense and slum RT area will receive three to four fire extinguishers," he explained.

PDI Perjuangan Faction Chairman added that there should be a legal protection to provide APAR in each RT. Hence, Gembong encourages the Jakarta Government to immediately submit discussions on the RT/RW Bylaw.

"The problem is that now RT/RW are not allowed to receive grants in the form of APAR from the government. This is because the status of forming a new RT/RW is in the form of a Gubernatorial Regulation, while in terms of regional financial management, there must be a bylaw first thus it can also receive grants," he closed.