Gempol Fire, Gibran: The Importance Of Mitigation In Densely Populated Areas

Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the evacuation post for victims of the Kemayora fire. (@gibranrakabuming)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka assessed that the large fire in the densely populated area of Kemayoran Gempol, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, January 21, became an important warning about the urgency of disaster mitigation in a similar environment.

"This fire is a reminder of the importance of disaster mitigation, especially in densely populated areas," said Gibran in a video statement uploaded to his official Instagram account, @gibran_rakabuming, quoted by VOI.ID, Wednesday, January 22.

While reviewing the location of the fire and the evacuation post at the Central Jakarta Metro Police Field on Tuesday, Gibran spoke with residents affected by the incident.

He said that this fire had scorched 543 houses and forced thousands of residents to flee, in the midst of bad weather due to the rainy season.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, according to Gibran, has instructed the government to immediately be present to provide assistance to affected residents.

"We ensure that the basic needs of residents, such as proper refugee camps, logistics, and sanitation, are top priorities," said Gibran.

The vice president also reminded local governments and related agencies to coordinate actively in disaster management. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the eligibility of evacuation facilities and providing other urgent needs for victims.

After visiting the main post at the Central Jakarta Metro Police, Gibran continued his visit to the location of the fire on Jalan Kemayoran Gempol No. 30, RT.7/RW.8, Kemayoran District, Central Jakarta. He also took the time to another evacuation post in the Al Mu'awwanah Mushola, which was across from the location of the fire.

The fire in Kemayoran Gempol involved more than 1,700 victims from 607 families (KK). The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at around 01.15 WIB, scorched densely populated settlements. The government continues to monitor the development of the situation and strives to ensure that the needs of the affected residents are met.