Jakarta, El Sky News — A major fire broke out at the Terra Drone office building on Jalan Letjen Suprapto, Cempaka Baru / Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday afternoon (9/12). The fire, reportedly caused by a drone battery explosion, quickly engulfed the building, resulting in 22 confirmed deaths, 19 survivors, and multiple injuries from smoke inhalation and panic during evacuation.
Incident Timeline & Details
- The fire was first reported at approximately 12:43 PM local time, coinciding with the lunch break when many employees were inside.
- Initial cause: suspected thermal runaway or short-circuit in a drone battery on the ground floor.
- The flames spread rapidly across multiple floors. Survivors reported thick smoke and blocked emergency stairways, forcing some to climb to the roof or remain trapped.
- Firefighters deployed dozens of fire trucks and hundreds of personnel to control the blaze and evacuate victims.
Casualties & Evacuation
- 22 fatalities including 15 women and 7 men.
- Several victims included pregnant women.
- 19 people survived, though many sustained injuries and trauma from smoke and evacuation.
- All deceased were transported to RS Polri Kramat Jati for identification.
Authorities caution that the death toll may rise as the building is thoroughly searched for remaining victims.
Official Statements & Government Response
Jakarta Central Police Chief, Susatyo Purnomo Condro, described the incident as a major tragedy, calling for a thorough investigation into the cause and any potential workplace safety violations. The Jakarta Provincial Government pledged to cover all funeral expenses for victims and medical care for survivors.
Background: Terra Drone & Workplace Safety Concerns
Terra Drone Indonesia is part of an international drone technology company. Its Cempaka Putih office was used for both operations and drone battery storage, an element central to the suspected cause of the fire. This incident highlights ongoing workplace safety issues, particularly:
- Emergency evacuation preparedness,
- Safe storage of high-risk electronics and batteries,
- The need for regular safety inspections and strict compliance with safety regulations.
Public Reaction & Safety Appeals
Families of victims and local residents expressed deep grief. Worker advocacy groups urged comprehensive audits of workplace safety, especially in buildings storing potentially hazardous materials like batteries or electronics.
Experts emphasize that companies must provide clear evacuation routes, smoke detection systems, and internal fire suppression to minimize casualties in similar incidents.
The Terra Drone office fire in Cempaka Putih on 9 December 2025 represents a tragic event with significant loss of life and injuries. It underscores the urgent need for robust workplace safety measures in high-risk office environments.
(Lunar)
