Analysis of Fire Protection System Readiness on Emergency Stairs of Multi-Storey Education Buildings: A Qualitative Case Study

Brahma Deva Joyo Nusantara (Universitas Pembangunan Nasional)
Laily Hanifah (Universitas Pembangunan Nasional)
Suparni Suparni (Universitas Pembangunan Nasional)

Advances In Social Humanities Research
Vol. 4 No. 11 (2026): Advances In Social Humanities Research (Issue in Progres)

Building safety is a fundamental concern, particularly in multistory educational buildings characterized by high occupant mobility. This study aimed to explore the implementation of fire safety measures and fire protection systems in the emergency stairways of Building I, Faculty of Economics and Business, at a private university in West Jakarta, Indonesia, from the perspectives and experiences of key stakeholders. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach with an intrinsic case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with seven informants selected using purposive sampling, field observations, and document reviews to establish the regulatory context. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model, with trustworthiness enhanced through source triangulation, methodological triangulation, member checking, and peer debriefing. The findings identified four major themes: organizational commitment to safety and institutional limitations, perceived physical and operational barriers in emergency stairways, occupant vulnerability and emergency preparedness, and integrated strategies for strengthening a safety-oriented organizational culture. From a managerial perspective, fire safety policies had been established; however, their implementation was perceived as inadequate because of operational budget constraints. Regarding physical safety conditions, informants expressed concerns that the existing emergency stairways might not provide adequate protection during fire emergencies because of the absence of fire-rated doors and appropriate fire-resistant separation. Furthermore, building occupants were perceived to have limited emergency preparedness, primarily because regular evacuation drills had not been conducted. The recommended strategies emphasized strengthening organizational safety culture through routine evacuation drills and implementing context-appropriate physical improvements that integrate technical fire protection measures with behavioral aspects of emergency preparedness and fire safety management.