Local authorities in West Jakarta have stepped up fire prevention efforts through the Rabu Cegah Kebakaran program in RW 01, Kota Bambu Selatan, Palmerah District. The initiative was carried out by the West Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency together with the Palmerah Sub-district administration. Activities focused on public education and practical testing of fire engine access routes in densely populated residential areas. Officials say the program reflects growing concern over fire risks in urban neighborhoods.
Head of Palmerah Sub-district, Febriandi Suharto, said the weekly Wednesday program involves a wide range of stakeholders. These include civil servants at the district and urban village levels, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Fire and Rescue Agency, the Indonesian National Police, the Transportation Agency, the Civil Service Police Unit, and local community leaders. The collaboration is intended to ensure fire prevention is understood as a shared responsibility. Education sessions emphasized keeping access routes clear for emergency vehicles.
Febriandi noted that residents in fire-prone areas often park vehicles or place goods carelessly, obstructing fire trucks. Such obstacles, he said, can delay evacuation and firefighting efforts during emergencies. Through this program, residents are encouraged to keep alleys and roads sterile from obstructions. The sub-district plans to roll out similar activities sequentially across all urban villages in Palmerah.
Head of the West Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency, Suheri, said the program was designed in response to recurring access problems faced by firefighters. Narrow roads and blocked routes frequently slow emergency response times. During this activity, fire engines tested routes including KS Tubun Road, the West Flood Canal Inspection Road, Tomang Asli Road, and Kamboja Road. He expressed hope that the initiative would be replicated in other areas to strengthen community preparedness and public safety.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
