Ammunition Depot Explosion Prompts DPR to Urge Stronger Risk Management and Safety of TNI Assets

A member of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I, Amelia Anggraini, has expressed her concern over the explosion at the TNI’s Central Ammunition Depot (Gupusmu) in Madiun, East Java, which resulted in the death of a soldier. She stated that this incident must serve as a reminder of the importance of strengthening safety standards, ammunition storage management, and conducting periodic evaluations of security systems. She noted that the management of defence assets requires safety standards that must be continuously updated in line with technological developments and the complexity of threats. “I am optimistic that the TNI can make this incident a momentum to strengthen the culture of workplace safety, improve risk management, and reinforce professionalism as a defence institution trusted by the public,” Amelia said on Friday. In such situations, she added, the most important thing is to give the authorities room to work and not to rush into spreading unverified information. Amelia also expressed her belief that the TNI would handle the incident professionally, from evacuation and treatment of victims to a thorough investigation to determine the cause. She hopes that all affected personnel will recover quickly and that the investigation process can be completed in accordance with applicable regulations. “Hopefully, this incident will be a valuable lesson to further strengthen the safety of personnel and the security of national defence assets,” she said. Previously, the Head of the Army Information Service, Brigadier General TNI Donny Pramono, stated that the explosion at the TNI Central Ammunition Depot in Saradan District, Madiun Regency, East Java, occurred on Thursday while soldiers were carrying out ammunition maintenance and servicing. As a result of the incident, one soldier died and six others suffered injuries ranging from minor to severe. “All victims were taken to the hospital for prompt medical treatment, and the incident was reported procedurally through the chain of command,” he said. The TNI is currently awaiting the results of the investigation to determine the exact cause of the ammunition depot explosion.