(Photo credit: Badung Police Department)
A massive fire tore through Sri Bantas Market in Desa Cepaka, Tabanan, this afternoon, gutting dozens of kiosks and sparking panic among traders and locals.
The fire, which erupted around 12:30 PM WITA, spread rapidly, fueled by flammable materials in the market’s central stalls, and has left devastating losses in its wake.
Origin and Rapid Spread of the Fire
Eyewitnesses reported the blaze appeared to originate from the central section, primarily occupied by traders selling plastic items and household goods. As thick smoke filled the air, market head Nyoman Mega quickly urged all traders to evacuate, unable to salvage their goods.
“We had no choice but to tell everyone to leave—nothing could be saved because the fire grew too quickly,” Mega said on the scene.
The market, managed by the Banjar Adat Batan Duren, housed 211 stalls and 44 kiosks, mostly filled with vendors selling essentials, ceremonial items, and everyday household products.
However, the fire consumed much of the market before firefighters from the Badung Disaster and Fire Agency managed to contain it around 3:00 PM WITA. According to Head of the Fire and Rescue Unit, I Kadek Budana, only 22 kiosks were saved, with the rest reduced to ashes.
Investigation and Rebuilding Efforts
Initial reports suggest the fire may have been sparked by an electrical short circuit, though officials have yet to confirm this.
The Police Department of Tabanan estimates the material losses at approximately Rp 8 billion, a severe blow to the market’s tight-knit community of vendors.
“We’re still investigating the source of the fire,” said Iptu I Gusti Made Berata, spokesperson for the Tabanan Police, as authorities piece together the fire’s origin and scope of damage.
The aftermath has left vendors worried about their futures, with market authorities now scrambling to arrange temporary selling spots.
“We’re gathering all the traders to figure out interim arrangements,” Mega stated, emphasizing that the market will take time to rebuild.
For now, the market remains closed, and a cooling-off period is underway as authorities ensure that any remaining embers are safely extinguished.
As a vital economic hub for Desa Cepaka and the surrounding area, the loss of Sri Bantas Market strikes a hard blow, but local officials vow to support those affected as they seek to rebuild their livelihoods.
