Army Ammunition Explosion in Indonesia Kills 13, Triggers Full Investigation

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JAKARTA, investortrust.id – An Indonesian Army operation to destroy expired ammunition has ended in tragedy, killing 13 people, including four soldiers, in a deadly explosion at a remote disposal site in Garut, West Java. The incident has triggered a full-scale investigation by the military as questions mount over civilian involvement and safety protocols.

The explosion occurred on Monday morning, May 12, 2025, during a controlled disposal exercise in the village of Sagara, Cibalong subdistrict, at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time. The site, located on land owned by the Garut regional branch of the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), had been routinely used by the Army for ammunition disposal due to its distance from populated areas.

Brigadier General Wahyu Yudhayana, Head of the Army’s Public Information Service, confirmed that a team from the Central Ammunition Warehouse III, under the Equipment Center of the Indonesian Army (Puspalad), was executing the procedure in accordance with standard operating guidelines.

“Initial checks were conducted on personnel and the blast area, and all conditions were declared safe before the procedure began,” Wahyu said.

According to Wahyu, the team successfully conducted two separate detonations using designated underground pits. The blasts proceeded without incident, following all security measures. However, tragedy struck when personnel began preparing a third pit with leftover detonators used in the previous explosions.

“As the team was assembling the detonators in the third pit, a sudden explosion occurred,” Wahyu said. “It happened before the site had been fully secured for detonation.”

Fatalities Include Soldiers and Local Civilians

The blast instantly killed 13 individuals, comprising four Army personnel and nine civilians. The victims, all male and reportedly from the surrounding area, were evacuated to Pameungpeuk Regional Hospital for further handling, including autopsies and repatriation to families.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss,” Wahyu added. “These soldiers were dedicated personnel with high commitment. We also mourn the civilian victims and extend our condolences to their families.”

Investigations to Determine Cause and Civilian Involvement

The Army has pledged a thorough investigation to uncover the exact cause of the unexpected detonation and to determine why civilians were present during a military operation.

“This investigation is essential to identify the technical cause of the blast and to clarify the role, if any, that civilians had in the disposal process,” said Wahyu.

Major General Kristomei Sianturi, Head of the Armed Forces’ Public Affairs, emphasized the importance of securing the area to prevent any secondary explosions. The site remains under lockdown as experts comb through the debris.

“We are coordinating with local authorities to secure the area and ensure there is no remaining risk,” Kristomei said.

General Maruli Simanjuntak, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, confirmed the operation was conducted on expired munitions that had been stored and scheduled for disposal from the Army’s inventory. He noted that the BKSDA site had long been used for such purposes without prior incident.

National Mourning and Safety Review

The tragedy has raised broader concerns about the Army’s disposal procedures and the safety of civilians near military zones. The Indonesian Army is expected to review existing protocols and enhance oversight to avoid similar accidents in the future.

“We will deliver further information as the investigation progresses. This is a tragic moment for the Army and for all affected families,” Wahyu stated.