A devastating fire has ripped through Jakarta's largest wholesale food market, causing extensive damage to hundreds of stalls and intensifying scrutiny of safety standards in the Indonesian capital.
Market Inferno Spreads Rapidly
The blaze broke out at the Kramat Jati market shortly after 7.30am local time on Monday 16 December. According to reports, the fire originated in a kiosk selling plastic goods and ropes. Strong winds and flammable materials on site caused the flames to spread rapidly through neighbouring shops.
The Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency deployed a significant force to tackle the inferno. It took 19 fire engines and 80 firefighters approximately one hour to bring the blaze under control. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were reported in the incident.
Economic Impact and Immediate Response
Kramat Jati is a critical national hub for fruit and vegetable wholesale, serving as a key price reference point for Indonesia. Disruptions at this scale are therefore likely to ripple through supply chains far beyond Jakarta itself.
Market operator Pasar Jaya, cited by Asia News, stated that around 350 stalls were damaged in the fire. In response, Jakarta governor Pramono Anung has ordered a full investigation. City officials confirmed that a multi-agency team will be formed to establish the precise cause and recommend preventative measures.
Chicco Hakim, a special staffer at the governor's office, announced immediate support for affected traders. "In the meantime, we will provide temporary assistance, including relocating affected vendors and distributing emergency supplies," Mr Hakim said, emphasising a commitment to restore market activity swiftly.
A Troubling Pattern of Major Blazes
Preliminary findings from the Jakarta Disaster Management Agency point to an electrical short circuit as the likely cause. This incident marks the third major fire in Jakarta in just over a week, renewing urgent concerns about urban fire safety.
On 9 December, a fire at a commercial building in the Kemayoran area claimed 22 lives. Another blaze in West Jakarta on the same day destroyed multiple buildings and displaced families. Earlier this year, a fire at the Taman Puring market in South Jakarta gutted over 550 stalls.
These repeated incidents highlight systemic issues. A city inspection conducted last year revealed alarming findings: nearly 700 out of over 2,600 buildings examined failed to meet fire protection standards, a list that included hundreds of high-rise structures.
