Facts About the TNI Ammunition Depot Explosion in Madiun

An explosion occurred at the Army’s Central Ammunition Depot (Gupusmu) II of the Army Equipment Centre (Puspalad) in Saradan, Madiun Regency, East Java, on Thursday (16/7). The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) confirmed there were fatalities and injuries resulting from the incident and extended its condolences, vowing to conduct an investigation.

The incident began during ammunition maintenance activities. The Army has not yet disclosed a detailed chronology, but Army Information Service Chief Brigadier General Donny Pramono stated that initial reports indicate the incident happened while personnel were carrying out inspection and maintenance procedures on munitions in one of the storage warehouses. “Carrying out maintenance and servicing that had indeed followed established procedures, from the initial briefing to the execution,” Donny said during a press conference.

One soldier was killed in the incident, while four others sustained serious injuries and two more suffered minor injuries. “Immediately after the incident, the unit evacuated all victims to hospital for rapid medical treatment while reporting the matter procedurally through the chain of command,” Donny stated. The Army is committed to handling the incident seriously and transparently, ensuring that both victim care and the investigation process are conducted optimally.

An investigation team has been formed and dispatched to the scene. “The investigation team has been formed and departed for the location this afternoon,” Donny said, adding that the investigation will be conducted professionally, objectively, and thoroughly to ensure all findings are fully accountable. He could not yet confirm the type of ammunition that exploded, stating that this would be examined by the investigation team. The Army has also sealed off the explosion site, with only the investigation team permitted to enter the area in stages according to established procedures.