Full Breakdown
Tragic Fire Claims 22 Lives in Jakarta Office Building
12/10/2025, 8:12:05 AM
Fire Incident Overview
On December 9, 2025, a devastating fire broke out in a seven-story office building in the Kemayoran neighborhood of Jakarta, Indonesia, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 individuals, including a pregnant woman. The blaze erupted around midday, reportedly starting on the first floor, where employees of PT Terra Drone Indonesia, a drone technology company, were present during their lunch break. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the fire may have been ignited by a battery explosion in a storage area, leading to a rapid spread of flames throughout the building.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Firefighters responded swiftly, deploying 29 fire trucks and over 100 personnel to combat the blaze, which was extinguished after approximately three hours. Despite these efforts, the fire claimed the lives of 22 victims, predominantly women, with many succumbing to smoke inhalation rather than burns. At least 19 workers were rescued, some suffering minor injuries, while a police officer and a firefighter experienced breathing difficulties due to the smoke. The bodies of the deceased were transported to a hospital in East Jakarta for identification.
Official Investigations and Statements
Central Jakarta police chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro confirmed that the cause of the fire is under investigation, with preliminary reports indicating that a battery from a drone may have sparked the incident. Condro stated, “Based on information gathered so far, batteries from a drone caught fire, but the cause of the fire, the point of origin is still being investigated.” Authorities plan to question both the business and building owners as part of their inquiry.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung emphasized the need for improved workplace safety measures, urging companies to establish emergency action plans for evacuation. He remarked, “This case obviously shows the company does not provide ‘emergency access’ from fire in the direct physical sense.”
Eyewitness Accounts
Local resident Intan Puspita described the chaotic scene, noting that the fire began with a loud bang, prompting workers to flee the building. She witnessed individuals trapped on upper floors attempting to escape to the rooftop. “I saw about 20 victims in the body bags being evacuated from inside,” Puspita recounted, highlighting the tragic nature of the event.
Broader Implications
This incident raises significant concerns regarding fire safety protocols in commercial buildings, particularly those housing technology firms like PT Terra Drone Indonesia, which provides services across various sectors, including mining and agriculture. The tragedy underscores the critical importance of emergency preparedness and the need for stringent safety regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Based on information gathered so far, batteries from a drone caught fire, but the cause of the fire, the point of origin is still being investigated,” — Susatyo Purnomo Condro, Central Jakarta Police Chief
- “This case obviously shows the company does not provide ‘emergency access’ from fire in the direct physical sense,” — Pramono Anung, Jakarta Governor
- “I saw about 20 victims in the body bags were being evacuated from inside,” — Intan Puspita, Local Resident
The investigation into the fire continues as authorities work to identify the victims and determine the precise cause of this tragic event.
