A massive fire broke out at Glodok Plaza, Jakarta’s renowned electronics trading center, on Wednesday night, January 15, 2025, at approximately 9:30 PM WIB. teh blaze, which originated on the 7th floor, rapidly spread to the 8th and 9th floors, engulfing the building in flames and thick smoke. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit in the discotheque and karaoke area on the 7th floor.“What caught fire were floors 7, 8, and 9. The affected area is quite large, covering all sides. it is clear that the karaoke area is entirely on fire,” said Syarifudin, Operations Section Head of the West Jakarta Fire and Rescue Sub-Department, as quoted by Kompas.
The fire’s rapid spread was exacerbated by the presence of gas fuel and the building’s densely divided structure, filled with electronic kiosks. Thick smoke from burning electronic materials further hindered firefighting efforts, making the operation even more challenging.
Nine People Rescued from the Rooftop
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Videos circulating on social media showed several individuals fleeing to the rooftop of Glodok Plaza to escape the flames. According to Detiknews, nine people—eight men and one woman—were trapped by the fire before being successfully rescued by firefighters after waiting for about an hour.
“Yes, that’s correct,” confirmed Satriadi Gunawan, Acting Head of the DKI jakarta Fire and rescue Department. “They have been evacuated to safety and are receiving care in an ambulance provided by the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI).”
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported as of this writing.
firefighting Efforts Continue
The firefighting team worked tirelessly to prevent the blaze from spreading to the 6th floor and other areas. A police line was set up around the building to keep residents at a safe distance. By early Thursday morning, january 16, 2025, the fire had begun to subside, thanks to the combined efforts of 230 personnel and 23 fire trucks from the Jakarta Fire Department. the operation also involved the Police, TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), and the PMI.
Despite these efforts, hotspots and thick smoke remained visible as of 8:30 AM on Thursday.
“There are still hotspots and thick smoke visible from outside the building. We cannot yet enter the affected areas to address the remaining fires,” explained Sardi, a fire department officer at the scene.
The fire has captured notable public attention, given Glodok Plaza’s prominence as a central trading hub in jakarta. The exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage are still under examination.
Key Details at a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Glodok Plaza, Tamansari, West Jakarta |
| Date and Time | January 15, 2025, at 9:30 PM WIB |
| Cause | Electrical short circuit in the karaoke area |
| Affected Floors | 7th, 8th, and 9th floors |
| Rescued Individuals | 9 people (8 men, 1 woman) |
| Firefighting Efforts | 230 personnel, 23 fire trucks, police, TNI, and PMI involvement |
| Current Status | Fire localized, hotspots and smoke still visible |
The incident has raised concerns about fire safety in densely populated commercial areas, notably those housing flammable materials like electronics. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Detiknews.
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Inside the glodok Plaza Fire: Expert Insights on Fire Safety and Emergency Response
On the evening of January 15,2025,a massive fire engulfed Jakarta’s iconic Glodok Plaza,a bustling electronics trading hub,sending shockwaves through the city.The blaze, which started on the 7th floor due to an electrical short circuit, quickly spread to the 8th and 9th floors, fueled by flammable materials and thick smoke. Despite the challenges, 230 personnel, 23 fire trucks, and cooperation from the police, TNI (Indonesian National armed Forces), and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) managed to localize the fire and rescue nine individuals trapped on the rooftop.
To better understand the incident and its broader implications,we sat down with Dr. Arif Santoso, a fire safety expert and professor of disaster management at the University of Indonesia. Here’s our interview, delving into the causes, challenges, and lessons learned from the Glodok Plaza fire.
The Immediate Response: Challenges and Successes
Senior Editor: Dr. Santoso, thank you for joining us. The Glodok Plaza fire was a complex incident. What stood out to you about the immediate response efforts?
Dr. Arif santoso: Thank you for having me. What stood out was the coordination among multiple agencies—firefighters,police,TNI,and PMI—working together seamlessly. Given the building’s dense structure and the presence of flammable materials like electronics,this was no easy task. The fact that they managed to rescue all nine individuals from the rooftop is commendable. Though, the thick smoke and rapid spread of the fire highlight the challenges of fighting fires in high-risk commercial areas.
Senior Editor: The fire reportedly started due to an electrical short circuit in the karaoke area on the 7th floor. How common are such incidents, and what precautions can be taken?
Dr. Arif Santoso: Electrical short circuits are sadly common in densely populated areas with outdated or overloaded wiring. In commercial spaces like Glodok Plaza, where multiple electronics are powered together, the risk increases exponentially. To prevent such incidents, regular electrical inspections, proper maintenance, and the installation of circuit breakers are essential.
Fire Safety in Commercial Spaces: What Needs to Change?
Senior Editor: The Glodok fire has raised concerns about fire safety in commercial areas. What measures should building owners and authorities prioritize?
Dr. Arif Santoso: First and foremost, fire safety audits should be mandatory for all commercial buildings. This includes ensuring adequate fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems are in place. Additionally, buildings should have clearly marked evacuation routes and regular fire drills for occupants. Authorities must also enforce stricter regulations on the storage of flammable materials.
Senior Editor: You mentioned the dense structure of Glodok Plaza as a contributing factor to the fire’s rapid spread. How can building design mitigate such risks?
Dr. Arif Santoso: Modern building codes emphasize compartmentalization—creating fire-resistant barriers between sections to prevent the spread of flames and smoke.High-rise buildings should also have pressurized stairwells to keep escape routes smoke-free. While retrofitting older buildings like Glodok Plaza can be challenging, it’s a necessary investment for safety.
Lessons Learned and Future Preparedness
Senior Editor: What lessons can we take away from this incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future?
Dr. Arif Santoso: The Glodok fire underscores the importance of proactive fire prevention and community awareness. Building owners, tenants, and authorities must work together to identify and address risks. Public education campaigns on fire safety and emergency response are also crucial. Lastly,investing in advanced firefighting equipment and training for personnel can considerably enhance response effectiveness.
Senior Editor: With hotspots and smoke still visible hours after the fire began, what challenges do firefighters face in such prolonged operations?
Dr.Arif Santoso: Prolonged firefighting operations are physically and mentally taxing. High temperatures, limited visibility, and the risk of structural collapse pose constant threats. In such cases, rotating teams and ensuring adequate hydration and rest are essential. Advanced thermal imaging tools can also help identify hotspots more efficiently, reducing the duration of operations.
Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for Jakarta
Senior Editor: Before we conclude, what message would you like to leave our readers regarding fire safety in urban areas like Jakarta?
dr. Arif Santoso: The Glodok Plaza fire is a wake-up call for Jakarta and other densely populated cities.Fire safety is not just the obligation of authorities—it’s a collective effort. By prioritizing prevention, preparedness, and public awareness, we can minimize the risks and ensure safer urban environments for everyone.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. santoso, for your invaluable insights. This incident reminds us of the importance of vigilance and collaboration in safeguarding our communities.
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