Strengthening Fire Preparedness: UNDSS and Jakarta Fire Department Conduct Fire Drill and Training for UN Personnel

In 2024, the Jakarta Fire and Rescue Service (Gulkarmat) recorded 1,888 fire incidents across the capital, with electrical short circuits responsible for 1,148 cases. In response to this persistent risk, the government has launched a series of initiatives to enhance fire prevention and preparedness. These include the issuance of Fire Hazard Warnings, the deployment of Gulkarmat Task Forces in 267 sub-districts, the organization of Volunteer Firefighters (Redkar), and the promotion of fire safety systems such as the Environmental Fire Resistance System (SKKL) and Building Safety Fire Management (MKKG).

To support these national efforts and raise awareness among United Nations personnel, UNDSS Indonesia conducted a fire evacuation drill on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, from 11:00 to 12:00hrs, at the Menara Thamrin Building (MTB), Central Jakarta. The drill involved 134 UN personnel working in the building.

The scenario simulated an uncontrollable fire on the 10th floor of the UN agencies’ office. As the fire could not be extinguished using handheld fire extinguishers, an immediate evacuation was initiated. Floor wardens activated emergency procedures, guiding all staff down the stairwells to a designated safe zone in the adjacent Jaya Building. The scenario also included one simulated casualty who was safely transported using an evacuation chair, treated at the assembly point, and prepared for transfer to the nearest hospital.

The Jakarta Fire Department observed and assessed the drill, also deploying an ambulance for standby support. Puryanto, a Fire Analyst from the department, commended the UN for conducting the exercise and emphasized the importance of holding such drills at least once a year. These exercises, he noted, are essential for testing the building’s emergency systems, fire equipment, and staff readiness.

Later in the afternoon, a Fire Safety Training session was held at the Jakarta Fire Department Headquarters, attended by 55 participants, including Agency Security Focal Points (ASFPs), wardens, UN personnel, UNDSS Security Guards, police officers, office assistants, and INGO staff. Participants learned about the fire triangle and practiced extinguishing fires using foam and CO₂-based fire extinguishers.

Karen Woo Ka Luan from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) expressed increased confidence in using fire extinguishers after the training. Meanwhile, Teuku Sayuti from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) stated that he would share the knowledge and skills gained with colleagues in his office.

These activities demonstrate UNDSS Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring the safety of UN personnel and strengthening the culture of preparedness across all agencies.