The Torching of Tanah Abang

It was not the first time that the largest garment market in Southeast Asia had gone up in flames. The fire safety equipment installed was totally inadequate.

February 25, 2003

HAJAH Nurcahya, 68, has had to change her way of life since last Thursday. Normally, Ama, as she is known to the people of Kebon Pala, gets up every morning at 8:30am and soon afterwards sets off for her kiosk in Tanah Abang market's Block A in Central Jakarta. However, since her kiosk went up in smoke last Wednesday, she has found herself at a loose end.

"After I've gotten the kids up and out, I don't know what to do with myself. Before, I alwa

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