Support from Water Kitchen for Kemayoran Fire Survivors, Jakarta

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 – Human Initiative, through its Water Kitchen program, once again provided essential services for residents affected by a devastating fire in the Gempol area of Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. The incident, caused by an electrical short circuit on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, left over 1,700 people homeless. Currently, the survivors are taking refuge in emergency tents set up by the local government behind the Central Jakarta Police Headquarters.

The fire, which struck the densely populated area of Kemayoran, caught residents off guard. Within hours, the blaze consumed hundreds of homes, forcing thousands to flee, leaving behind their belongings in order to save themselves. Witnesses reported that the fire started in one of the houses due to an electrical short circuit and quickly spread to neighboring homes.

Human Initiative’s Rapid Response

In response to the situation, Human Initiative immediately deployed its emergency response team to support the survivors. One of the primary forms of assistance provided was the operation of the Water Kitchen, which served prepared meals and warm beverages to residents in the evacuation site.

The Water Kitchen served as an initial solution to meet the basic needs of the survivors, especially during the critical period following the disaster. This facility operated with the help of Human Initiative volunteers, who worked tirelessly to prepare logistics on-site.

Faris, a HI volunteer at the location, reported: “The current primary needs are hygiene kits, personal clothing, medicines, sleeping mats, and school supplies, as many children still need to continue their education. In addition, temporary tents are urgently needed, as many survivors have yet to secure proper temporary shelter.”

Dear Initiators, Human Initiative strives to continue supporting the survivors with various forms of necessary assistance. Let’s extend our help to our brothers and sisters impacted by this fire. Contributions in the form of donations, logistics, or volunteer efforts are greatly needed to help ensure the survivors can overcome this difficult period.

For more information about this program, visit solusipeduli.org/indonesiapedulibencana.

#AidforJakarta