Full Breakdown
CEO of Drone Company Named Suspect in Deadly Jakarta Fire
12/12/2025, 7:57:34 AM
Tragic Incident Overview
On December 9, 2025, a devastating fire broke out at the Jakarta office of PT Terra Drone Indonesia, a subsidiary of Japan’s Terra Drone Corp, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 employees, including a pregnant woman. The fire, which is believed to have started on the first floor, quickly spread through the seven-story building, causing panic among workers and residents in the Kemayoran neighborhood. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the blaze may have been triggered by a battery malfunction during charging.
Investigation and Legal Actions
In the aftermath of the fire, Michael W W Siagian, the CEO of PT Terra Drone Indonesia, was named a suspect and detained by police on suspicion of negligence. Central Jakarta Police chief criminal investigator Roby Heri Saputra indicated that other suspects could also be identified as the investigation progresses. The company has stated that it is cooperating fully with authorities, although the parent company has not confirmed Siagian's arrest.
Official Statements & Responses
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung emphasized the need for companies to prioritize workplace safety and implement emergency action plans. He remarked, “This case obviously shows the company does not provide ‘emergency access’ from fire in the direct physical sense.” The police have committed to thoroughly investigating the scene, with plans to reassess the building to determine if the death toll could rise.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents near the building reported hearing a loud bang as the fire erupted, followed by chaos as workers attempted to escape. One local, Intan Puspita, described seeing numerous victims being evacuated in body bags and noted that many workers were trapped on upper floors, struggling to breathe due to thick smoke.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have raised concerns regarding the safety protocols in place at PT Terra Drone Indonesia. The rapid spread of the fire and the high casualty rate have prompted calls for stricter regulations and oversight in workplace safety, particularly in high-risk industries like drone operations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the police have indicated that the fire was likely caused by a battery malfunction, the exact cause remains under investigation. There are also ongoing discussions about the adequacy of emergency response measures in place at the time of the incident.
What's Next
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to conduct further examinations of the building and its safety measures. The legal implications for Michael W W Siagian and any potential additional suspects will also be closely monitored as the case develops.
