House Calls for Thorough Evaluation After TNI Ammunition Depot Explosion in Madiun

Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Dave Laksono, has called for a thorough evaluation of all ammunition storage facilities following the explosion at an ammunition depot in Madiun, East Java, which killed one soldier and injured six others. Dave expressed his condolences over the incident. He stated that the event serves as a reminder that the safety of soldiers and the public must always be the top priority in the national defence system. “This incident underscores the importance of improving governance and safety standards for ammunition storage. A comprehensive evaluation of all TNI facilities is a crucial step, not to find fault, but as a constructive effort to ensure the existing system is truly safe and meets operational needs,” Dave said when contacted on Friday (17/7). In line with this, he believes the modernisation of ammunition storage facilities is an urgent necessity. Dave stated that the application of advanced safety technology and infrastructure improvements are expected to deliver a more secure, efficient, and sustainable storage system. “We believe that through close cooperation between the Ministry of Defence, the TNI, and relevant agencies, the Indonesian nation can build a more modern and reliable ammunition management system,” he said. Dave added that Commission I will oversee the evaluation process to ensure that every policy taken is oriented towards the safety of soldiers, the public, and national interests. “With a spirit of togetherness and optimism, we are confident this incident will become a momentum to strengthen the defence system while increasing public trust in state institutions,” he said. The explosion occurred at the Central Ammunition Depot II of the Army Central Equipment Division in Saradan, Madiun Regency, East Java, on Thursday (16/7). The Indonesian Army has not yet revealed a detailed chronology of the event, but Army Information Chief Brigadier General Donny Pramono said that based on initial reports, the incident occurred while army personnel were carrying out inspection and maintenance procedures for munitions material in one of the storage warehouses. “Carrying out maintenance and servicing that had already followed established procedures and standard operating procedures, from the initial briefing to the execution,” Donny said during a press conference. In the incident, one army personnel member was declared dead, while four others suffered serious injuries and two others sustained minor injuries. “Immediately after the incident, the unit evacuated all victims to the hospital for rapid medical treatment while reporting procedurally and through the chain of command,” Donny stated.