Responding To Complaints Of Lack Of Firefighters, Heru Budi: This Year Recruited As A Civil Servant

Acting Governor of DKI Heru Budi Hartono (Diah Ayu-VOI)

JAKARTA - Acting (Pj) Governor of DKI Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono responded to complaints about the lack of the number of firefighters (damkar). Heru also admitted that the number of officers from the Fire and Rescue Service (Gulkarmat) is not yet ideal. Meanwhile, cases of fires in Jakarta are still frequent. "It depends on the need for the Fire Department. The equipment may be sufficient, it may be possible that the shortage may be yes," Heru told reporters, quoted on Thursday, August 15. Therefore, Heru promised to add the number of Gulkarmat Service personnel from the appointment of prospective civil servants (CPNS) this year. "In fact, the number of firefighters will be recruited by civil servants, recruited for firefighters," replied Heru. Previously, the Head of the DKI Jakarta Gulkarmat Service, Satriadi Gunawan, admitted that his party did need an increase in the number of firefighter personnel. In addition to the composition of officers who were still minimal, many officers were also starting to retire. The fact is that, currently the number of firefighters in Jakarta is still minimal. The need for Gulkarmat officers in DKI Jakarta is needed for more than 10 thousand personnel. However in fact, the number of firefighters is only 4 thousand personnel. Currently, in the post on guard is only three (people). Whereas ideally six people. So there is already a function that is not covered. So the need for these personnel is very urgent for the DKI Jakarta Gulkarmat Service, said Satriadi on Wednesday, June 5.5. Meanwhile, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government actually reduced the budget of the DKI Jakarta Gulkarmat Service to Rp13 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 the budget for the Gulkarmat Service of around Rp1 trillion. The reduction of this Gulkarmat Service budget was criticized by the PSI faction of the DKI DKI Jakarta DPRD in view of the fraction of the budget changes to the 2024 APBBD. "The reduction of the budget of Rp 13 billion in the middle of the lack of fire personnel, is a very concerning and irresponsible decision.

Simon emphasized that this budget reduction policy not only hinders efforts to deal with fires that are more effective, but also increases the risk and impact of losses due to fire events. "This decision needs to be reviewed taking into account the urgency and risks that exist, as well as finding solutions that do not sacrifice public safety and the professionalism of firefighters," he stressed.