PSI Regrets DKI Provincial Government Reduces Gulkarmat Service Budget Amid Lack Of Firefighters

JAKARTA - The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has lowered the DKI Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency (Gulkarmat) budget of Rp. 13 billion in changes to the 2024 budget year. Originally, in the determination of the 2024 APBD which was ratified at the end of 2023, the DKI Provincial Government allocated a budget of the Gulkarmat Service of around Rp. 1 trillion. The reduction in the budget of the Gulkarmat Service was criticized by the PSI faction of the DKI Jakarta DPRD in the view of the fraction of the draft 2024 APBD changes. "In fact, the number of firefighters is only 4 thousand personnel. "In conditions where the need for firefighters is increasingly urgent, especially with increasing frequency and intensity of fire disasters, this step seems to ignore the public safety and welfare of the officers who are on the front lines," explained Simon.Simon emphasized that this budget reduction policy not only hinders more effective fire management efforts, but also increases the risk and impact of losses to fire events. "This decision needs to be reviewed by considering the urgency and risks that exist, as well as finding solutions that do not compromise public safety and professionalism of firefighters," he stressed.

Previously, the Head of the DKI Jakarta Gulkarmat Service, Satriadi Gunawan, admitted that his party did need an increase in the number of firefighters. Apart from the lack of composition of officers, many officers are also starting to retire. "Currently, there are only three (people) on guard at the post. Whereas ideally six people. So there are already functions that are not covered. So the need for these personnel is very urgent for the DKI Jakarta Gulkarmat Service," said Satriadi on Wednesday, June 5.