Pasar Bawah Of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Is Allegedly Burned

BUKITTINGGI - The Pasar Bawah (Bawah Market) fire in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra is suspected to have been carried out by an unknown person. The perpetrator has been arrested.

The Mayor of Bukittinggi, Erman Safar, said that the police secured the suspect involved in the fire with evidence of fuel obtained from his hands.

"Last night's fire, the police have arrested one person who is suspected to have something to do with it, is still suspected, Pertalite fuel and kerosene have also been secured, the progress will be announced," he said, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, November 24.

Wako expressed his disappointment and condemned the disgraceful actions taken by the perpetrators if it was true that Pasar Bawah was deliberately set on fire.

"I am very disappointed and condemn this intentional arson if it is later proven, the victims are our brothers and sisters who trade to survive on a daily basis," said Erman Safar.

According to him, Pasar Bawah, which scorched 25 stalls, was suspected of being burnt by irresponsible people or parties because the fire originated from three burning spots almost simultaneously.

He said that he would take anticipatory steps for the security of all markets in Bukittinggi for the future.

"Because we have been in a row, we will carry out a new strategy to secure the market in Bukittinggi, there must be steps to anticipate this disaster either due to negligence or irresponsible parties," said Wako.

In addition, he expressed his deep condolences for the disaster that occurred and at the same time provided assistance to traders who had previously experienced an accident in Air Tajungkang.

"Like the handling of the disaster in Los Maco and the Aur Tajungkang Market, we carried out initial data collection for all victims, cleaned and repaired, we are sorry and ask for the patience of traders in the process because we don't want any mistakes in administrative matters," he said.

The city government also confirmed that it would conduct a sweep of markets in Bukittinggi to anticipate activities outside of trade to minimize the potential for fires and other things.

The Head of the Bukittinggi Police, Commissioner Adjutant Rita Suryanti, confirmed that one person is currently being investigated for allegedly being related to the fire in Pasar Bawah.

"It's true, there is one person who is currently being investigated and is already at the Bukittinggi Police, his status is still under investigation," said Commissioner Adjutant Rita.