Tangerang, Indonesia Sentinel — A fire broke out at the Rectorate Building of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Ciputat, South Tangerang, Indonesia, on Monday morning, December 30, 2024. The blaze, which reportedly began around 6:30 a.m. local time, prompted the deployment of 10 fire engines to contain the flames.
Footage recorded by bystanders showed thick smoke billowing from the building as the fire spread, primarily affecting the Vice Rector II office and extending to the third floor. By 8:00 a.m., the fire was extinguished, and firefighters began cooling operations.
Cause and Damage Assessment
According to fire officials, the incident was caused by an electrical short circuit stemming from unstable voltage and aging wiring.
“The fire originated from a power outlet on the second floor in a meeting room adjacent to the Rector’s office,” explained Aan Kurniawan, Commander of the South Tangerang Fire and Rescue Department, during a press briefing.
The flames caused significant damage to the second and third floors of the Rectorate Building, leaving walls blackened and shattered glass scattered across the area. While there were no injuries or casualties, several important documents were destroyed in the fire.
“We can confirm that no lives were lost, and no one was injured,” Kurniawan stated. “However, the loss of documents is regrettable.”
Firefighting Efforts and Aftermath
The rapid response by the South Tangerang Fire and Rescue Department involved deploying 10 fire trucks to the site. Despite the intensity of the fire, it was successfully contained within an hour and a half.
Traffic near the university was unaffected, with vehicles flowing smoothly despite the presence of emergency services. Cleanup operations were conducted swiftly, and the area has since returned to normal activity.
Estimated Losses
The fire caused an estimated financial loss of approximately IDR 200 million (around $13,000). The damaged areas included the lobby, the Vice Rector II office, and parts of adjacent rooms. Authorities are conducting further investigations to assess the full extent of the damage and to implement safety measures to prevent future incidents.
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Looking Ahead
While the fire at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah has disrupted operations temporarily, university officials are working to ensure that academic and administrative functions resume promptly. The incident highlights the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks, particularly for older buildings with aging electrical systems.
(Becky)
