The Firefighter’s Spirit

KOMPAS/JUMARTO YULIANUS

Members of the private fire brigade (BPK) in Banjarmasin City test fire extinguishing equipment on the floating jetty of Sungai Martapura, Banjarmasin City, South Kalimantan, Sunday (2/5/2021).

Private firefighters in Banjarmasin City go about their work with great enthusiasm. The spirit of helping others has been passed on from the old to the young. Young people are embraced to serve humanity in beneficial activity that keeps them away from unhealthy associations.

A number of young people deftly opened a hose reel, then connected it to a portable pump on the floating pier of the Martapura River in Banjarmasin City, South Kalimantan, on Sunday (2/5/2021) afternoon. In a matter of minutes, all the parts were connected. As soon as the pump was turned on, the sprayer was directed to the middle of the river as if there were a fire.

On the banks of the Martapura River that afternoon, the young members of a private fire brigade (BPK) were testing their fire extinguishing equipment. In addition to checking the condition of the pump and other equipment regularly, they also practice putting out the fires.

"We are first trained here, before taking part in firefighting when there is a fire. Even though it doesn’t seem difficult, we still have to undergo training to be more dexterous at the fire location,” said Maulani (18), a member of BPK Putra Daha.

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Maulani, who just graduated from high school, joined the BPK in 2019. From his seniors, he learned to connect hoses, turn on pumps and put out flames. "The more often you take part in firefighting, the more skilled you are," he said.

The new members are usually trained to conduct periodic pump testing or during firefighting duty.

According to Muhammad Nazmi (16), a member of BPK Star 10, there is no special training for new recruits. The new members are usually trained to conduct periodic pump testing or during firefighting duty. "Ulun (I) just joined the BPK in January 2021. Now I can do everything," said the teenager, who just graduated from junior high school.

Nazmi, who is more familiarly called Amak, said crew members who were not proficient in using the sprayer, connecting the hoses and turning on the pump were usually asked to guard the engine or check the water source. His job was to report when there was a problem with the pump or the water supply.

KOMPAS/JUMARTO YULIANUS

Members of the private fire brigade (BPK) in Banjarmasin City tested a portable pump machine on the banks of the Martapura River, Banjarmasin City, South Kalimantan, Sunday (2/5/2021).

Salma Sabila (18), one of two female members of BPK Star 10, said she had not yet served in firefighting operations, even though she had often gone to fire locations. "Ulun (I) is usually in charge of guarding the pump engine. Another task is usually handled by male friends, ”said the high school student.

Undaunted

Even though firefighting is a challenging task involving high risks, enough young people in Banjarmasin are not afraid. Many of them have volunteered to join in order to help others. "I\'m just happy to be able to help other people,” said Nazmi.

The teenager, who plans to continue his education at high school, became interested in joining the fire brigade after the massive floods hit South Kalimantan in mid-January. At that time, he and some of his friends evacuated flood victims and distributed basic supplies.

After that, Nazmi and some of his friends decided to join the BPK or the fire prevention unit (PMK). "BPK Star 10 has 27 members, most of whom are still in school. Others already work,” said the teenager, who is also the deputy head of BPK Star 10.

Nazmi said all the young people joining the BPK had the blessing of their parents. "Our parents did not forbid it, because they know that their children will not just hang around. What we did was mostly related to social activities,” he said.

KOMPAS/JUMARTO YULIANUS

Ahmad Berkati (64), one of the founding figures of BPK Private Indigenous shows their portable pumping machine in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Wednesday (5/5/2021). The pumping machine is used for fire fighting operations.

Apart from firefighting, members of the BPK or PMK are also involved in many social and religious activities. For example, they are asked to help regulate traffic and guard parking areas during religious gatherings.

Giving space

The chairman of BPK Putra Daha, Aprianoor, said the private fire brigade was also used as a forum for young people to actualize themselves. Because of that, the board always gave young people an opportunity to get along, he added. "We currently have 68 members, mostly young people. Parents provide support behind the scenes, “he said.

As BPK volunteers, young people are also kept away from unhealthy associations and the dangers of drugs.

It could be said that young people are currently spearheading the BPK and PMK. They are encouraged to further maintain and improve firefighting activities. As BPK volunteers, young people are also kept away from unhealthy associations and the dangers of drugs.

The head of BPK Swasta Pribumi (SP), Said Abdullah Faisal Fachir, said his crew consisted of 200 people who were assigned to the brigade’s 20 units. The youngest member is 16 years old, and the oldest is 64. "Most of our members are children of BPK SP employees," said Faisal, who replaced his late father at the BPK SP.

The BPK SP organization is very open to young people. However, only those who meet the requirements are accepted. One of the conditions is that they are not involved in the use or sale of drugs or in illegal organizations.

Ahmad Berkati (64), BPK SP\'s most senior member, said he was happy to see so many young people join the firefighting service. "The culture of helping others should not disappear," said the grandfather of three.

(This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi).