Firefighters were nearing the end of their response to a fire at the Technical Services Building, also known as the Bapenda Building, on Jalan Abdul Muis in Gambir, Central Jakarta, as of Saturday morning. The fire affected several floors from the 11th to the 16th, with firefighters continuing to check for remaining hotspots and embers that could reignite. Central Jakarta Fire and Rescue Sub-agency Head Syarifudin said the operation was expected to conclude within 30 minutes to an hour as crews focused on breaking apart piles of burned material and ensuring the building was safe.
One of the main challenges was the presence of large piles of paper, which could easily catch fire again if hidden embers remained. Heavy smoke in the emergency stairwells also complicated firefighting efforts, although crews successfully prevented the fire from spreading to lower floors. Preliminary information indicated that the blaze started on the 11th floor, but its exact cause had yet to be determined and would be investigated by police after firefighters declared the building safe.
There were no reported fatalities in the incident, while one person trapped on the 16th floor was successfully evacuated and taken to Tarakan Hospital for treatment. The rescue proved difficult because of the thick smoke and building conditions, but the person managed to signal for help using a flashlight, allowing the special rescue team to locate them. Firefighters continued inspecting floors 11 through 16 to ensure no additional victims or dangerous hotspots remained.
Once the fire is fully extinguished and the building is confirmed free from fire hazards, the site will be handed over to police for further investigation and to building management for decisions regarding future operations. Syarifudin said the fire department’s priority was completing the firefighting and safety process before handing the building back to its management. The cause of the blaze and whether the building can reopen will therefore be determined after the subsequent investigation and assessment.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
