Haerul Saleh, a member of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), has died following a fire at his residence in South Jakarta on Friday morning. The tragedy was confirmed by authorities and colleagues, including Habiburokhman, chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives.
Details of the Incident
Firefighters were alerted to the scene after local residents spotted thick black smoke emanating from the third floor of the house, located on Jalan TB Simatupang. Local neighborhood officials contacted the South Jakarta Fire Department for urgent assistance.
According to Asril Rizal, head of South Jakarta’s Fire and Rescue Sub-agency, the fire began at 8:07 a.m. Local time. Firefighting operations were completed by 8:46 a.m., and the victim’s body was subsequently taken to Pasar Minggu Hospital.
Investigation into the Cause
Preliminary assessments suggest the blaze may have been accidental. Asril Rizal stated that the fire is suspected to have originated from leftover thinner that was used during renovation work at the home.

Habiburokhman, a fellow member of the Gerindra Party, expressed his grief over the loss of his colleague. “I am deeply saddened. He was one of my close friends,” Habiburokhman told reporters in Jakarta.
Potential Next Steps
Following the initial reports, authorities may conduct a more detailed forensic analysis to confirm the exact origin of the fire. This proves also likely that the Supreme Audit Agency will need to address the vacancy left by Saleh’s passing.
The South Jakarta Fire and Rescue Sub-agency could potentially issue further safety warnings regarding the storage of flammable materials in residential areas to prevent similar occurrences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the suspected cause of the fire?
The fire is suspected to have started from leftover thinner that was being used for home renovation work.
Who was Haerul Saleh?
Haerul Saleh was a member of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) and a former member of Commission XI of the House of Representatives, where he oversaw finance and banking affairs.
When did the fire occur and how long did it take to extinguish?
The fire occurred on Friday morning. Firefighters began extinguishing the blaze at 8:07 a.m. And finished operations by 8:46 a.m.
How can urban residential areas better manage the risks associated with home renovation materials?
