Commission E Finds PPJT Building Uninsured Against Fire Risks

SURABAYA — Commission E of the East Java DPRD highlighted the absence of fire insurance coverage for the Integrated Cardiac Care Center (PPJT) Building at RSUD Dr. Soetomo during an unannounced inspection and hearing with the hospital’s management on Monday (18/05/2026).

Chair of Commission E, Sri Untari Bisowarno, emphasized that insurance protection is essential to mitigate substantial losses resulting from fire incidents.

“We recommend that this building be covered by fire insurance,” Sri Untari stated.

When asked about the availability of fire insurance for the PPJT Building, Sri Untari confirmed that the facility currently has no such coverage.

“There is none at the moment. We recommend obtaining insurance because it is better to incur higher costs for protection than to have no coverage at all,” she said.

According to her, insurance protection would help the hospital replace damaged medical equipment and facilities more efficiently in the event of future incidents.

“With fire insurance, medical equipment and other facilities would not necessarily need to be repurchased, as they could be replaced through insurance claims,” she added.

DPRD Ensures Patient Services Continue After the Fire

During the visit, Sri Untari explained that the primary purpose of Commission E’s inspection was to ensure that healthcare services at RSUD Dr. Soetomo remained operational following the fire incident that occurred on Friday (15/05/2026).

She clarified that normal conditions do not necessarily mean the affected building has resumed full operations, but rather that all patients have been accommodated in appropriate treatment facilities according to their medical needs.

“All patients have been relocated to suitable treatment rooms, and healthcare services continue to operate properly,” she said.

Sri Untari revealed that the fifth floor of the PPJT Building, where the fire originated, remains under police line restrictions. A comprehensive assessment of medical equipment, pharmaceutical supplies, and other hospital assets can only be conducted once access is officially restored.

“The fifth floor is still under police line restrictions. Once those restrictions are lifted, a full inspection of equipment, medicines, and other supplies can be carried out,” she explained.

She also noted that several pharmaceutical and medical equipment suppliers have assisted the hospital by temporarily lending essential equipment and medical supplies.

Pharmaceutical Losses Estimated at IDR 3 Billion

Commission E reported that the total financial losses resulting from the fire are still being assessed. However, preliminary estimates indicate that pharmaceutical losses alone may reach approximately IDR 3 billion.

“We cannot yet confirm the total losses because the assessment process is still ongoing. Current reports estimate pharmaceutical losses at around IDR 3 billion,” Sri Untari stated.

During the inspection, Commission E also expressed appreciation for the doctors and healthcare workers who assisted firefighters in evacuating patients from the affected facility.

According to Sri Untari, the actions taken by medical personnel in evacuating cardiac patients from the fifth floor represent a valuable best practice for emergency response procedures in healthcare facilities.

“The doctors and healthcare personnel demonstrated extraordinary dedication in assisting patient evacuations alongside firefighting teams,” she remarked.

DPRD Calls for a Comprehensive Electrical System Evaluation

Commission E urged RSUD Dr. Soetomo to conduct a thorough review of its electrical infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Sri Untari noted that overloaded electrical outlets can become a significant fire hazard, making stricter supervision of electrical installations essential.

“Sometimes a single electrical outlet carries excessive loads, creating a risk of fire,” she said.

In addition, the East Java DPRD encouraged the hospital to engage specialized Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) consultants to conduct periodic assessments of the capacity and condition of its electrical systems.

Rasiyo: PPJT Fire Serves as an Important Lesson for Hospitals

Commission E member Rasiyo described the fire at the PPJT Building as an important lesson for hospitals throughout East Java.

“This incident serves as both a valuable experience and an important lesson for all of us,” Rasiyo stated.

He stressed the importance of routine inspections of electrical installations, noting that aging wiring systems can significantly increase the risk of short circuits.

“When electrical cables become outdated, they often pose a greater risk of short-circuiting,” he explained.

Despite the incident, Rasiyo believes public confidence in RSUD Dr. Soetomo remains strong, as reflected in the continued volume of patients seeking treatment at the hospital.

“Public trust in Dr. Soetomo Hospital remains high. Even after the incident, approximately 1,200 patients continued to visit the hospital for medical services,” he concluded.

The East Java DPRD has consistently emphasized the importance of disaster mitigation, fire prevention, and emergency preparedness across various sectors. The council has also actively supported fire victims through coordinated efforts with provincial agencies, including the East Java Social Affairs Office, as part of broader initiatives to strengthen community resilience and public safety.