Seven people are reportedly missing following a fire that broke out at Glodok Plaza, a shopping mall in Jakarta, on Wednesday evening, according to police reports on Thursday.

The blaze started around 9:20 p.m. local time in the bustling Tamansari sub-district, a densely populated area in the Indonesian capital. The mall was reportedly crowded with visitors when the fire erupted, raising concerns about potential casualties.

The Jakarta Fire Department deployed over 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters to battle the flames. Despite their efforts, embers were still smoldering in one of the buildings as of Thursday afternoon, as crews entered the cooling phase to prevent the fire from reigniting.

Police spokesperson Ade Ary Syam Indradi confirmed that firefighters and police personnel remain at the scene to investigate the cause of the fire.

Authorities are continuing their search for the seven missing individuals. Investigators are working to determine what sparked the blaze, as questions linger over safety protocols in the busy shopping mall.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety in Jakarta’s commercial hubs, where densely packed buildings and high foot traffic can pose significant risks during emergencies. Further updates are expected as rescue and investigative efforts continue. (ILKHA)