Fire Kills 22 People, House Of Representatives Commission IX Highlights Lack Of Terra Drone Workers Protection

JAKARTA Member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives, Neng Eem Marhamah Zulfa, highlighted the lack of job safety protection for Indonesian Terra Drone workers, after the tragedy of an office fire that killed 22 people.

In fact, according to him, occupational safety and health (K3) must be the company's top priority.

"We are concerned about the case of a fire that killed 22 people. This incident shows that there are still neglected aspects of protection and safety in the workplace, even though this is an aspect that must be met," said Neng Eem, Thursday, December 11.

Moreover, Neng Eem continued, for companies with high-risk activities such as Terra Drones that store lithium batteries for drones.

He said this fire shows the fact that in the field the weak implementation of safety standards. Moreover, there is only one access in and out of the six-story office building.

Work safety is not just a formality. Companies are required to provide safe offices, adequate evacuation facilities, and ensure all workers understand the risks," said Neng Eem.

In addition, the building located in Kemayoran has a building permit (IMB) since 2014 and a function-worthy certificate (SLF) since 2015, but is considered not to meet safety standards.

"This Terra Drone case shows great negligence and weak protection for workers," he added.

The PKB legislator also highlighted the initial findings regarding the high number of victims, including that there was only one evacuation gate on the first floor so that workers were trapped without a way out.

"And the majority of victims are women, this indicates that the group of female workers is still the most vulnerable party and has not received adequate protection," he said.

According to Neng Eem, the assumption that working in an office is a safe job makes many companies ignore potential hazards, ranging from electrical installations that risk short circuits to evacuation routes that do not meet standards.

Every workplace has a risk of each accident. Workers must be equipped with K3 knowledge, and employers are required to provide safety facilities according to standards. This tragedy occurs because of negligence that should be prevented," he said.

Therefore, he asked law enforcement officials to thoroughly investigate the cause of the fire, including alleged violations of safety standards by companies and building managers.

Neng Eem also urged the Ministry of Manpower and the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta to conduct a comprehensive audit of the implementation of K3 in office buildings, especially those used by startup and technology companies.

"We must not allow this big tragedy to repeat itself. The state must ensure that every worker, especially women, works in a safe and proper place," he concluded.