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Photo Gallery: Senen market, its brief history and recurrent blazes
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A firefighter works amid thick smoke from a fire that has lasted more than 12 hours on Jan. 19, 2017 in Senen Market in Central Jakarta. (JP/PJ Leo)
T
he history of Senen market began when a Dutch entrepreneur, named Justinus Vinck, developed the market to the east of old Batavia in 1733. The market turned into a slum area after Indonesia’s independence in 1945, and reportedly experienced a steep rise in crime rates.
In 1970, then Jakarta governor Ali Sadikin, launched the Senen Project in hope of revamping the dilapidated area. A trade center and youth center were built near the market.
The project was inaugurated in 1974 and now is reputed for having produced many Jakartan artists and poets, including the legendary Benyamin Sueb and Bing Slamet.
Nowadays, the market has six blocks, which sell a wide range of products, from food and clothing to used books and electronic home appliances.
However, since the opening day of the market, proper maintenance has been a rare occurrence, causing the building facade, structure and utilities to deteriorate, with fires regularly being reported.
Jan. 15, 1974
Senen market is set ablaze after rioting broke out across the city following student protests against the visit of Japanese prime minister Tanaka Kakuei.
Nov. 23, 1996
Fire engulfs the market, razing 750 kiosks in Block IV and V.
Jan. 27, 2003
Fire guts 300 kiosks at the market's Block IV and Block IV B.
March 11, 2010
A blaze razes 2,337 kiosks at the market's Block IV and Block V.
April 25, 2014
A fire ravages the market for 20 hours, destroying 3,000 kiosks in Block III.
Nov. 15, 2016
Fire guts three kiosks at the market.
Jan. 19, 2017
A blaze engulfs the market, razing more than 1,000 kiosks.
