This Year's Market Fire Number Is Getting Higher

Illustration (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Market Merchants Association (IKAPPI) noted that the number of fires that occurred in the market was getting higher this year. There have been dozens of fire incidents since the beginning of the year.

"From the 2021 timeframe, there are 78 cases of market fires in Indonesia", said Central Executive Board Market Fire and Security Division Head, Antoni Adje, in his statement, Monday, June 28.

In January, there were 9 cases of fire. The worst fire in January was in Pamanukan Subang, which scorched 250 kiosk shophouses.

In February, there were 11 markets on fire. "Sadly, the fire at Citra Mas Loktuan Market, Bontang, East Kalimantan caused 500 stalls to burn and 1 person died", he said.

In March, there were 12 cases with the highest fire losses in Banjarnegara City, which was around 1.610 kiosks and sold-out stalls. In addition, at the Campur Datar Market, Tulung Agung, East Java, there are 372 stalls and 3 stalls charred.

In April there were 17 markets on fire and the highest losses were in Pasar Minggu block C, South Jakarta which resulted in 388 stalls being sold out on fire.

In May, 17 markets were burned to the ground. The highest losses were at Simpol Luwuk Market, Banggai, Central Sulawesi, with 200 stalls and 66 shophouses burned to the ground.

In June, there were 12 fire markets and the highest occurred at the Impres Market in Pinang City, Labuhan Batu Selatan, North Sumatra, which sold 296 stalls.

Then, a fire at Blahbatu Market, Gianyar, Bali scorched 602 stalls. Then, a fire recently occurred in Leles Market, Garut, West Java, where 412 kiosks caught fire on June 20.

Therefore, Antoni asked all local and central governments to strengthen regulations so that fires can be avoided.

"During the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy is in decline, so we avoid fires in the Indonesian market. The IKAPPI is designing a program of cooperation with all local governments, in order to keep the market safe and not burnt due to losses incurred naturally the traders are quite large", explained Antoni.