Police: 4 Workers at Water Tank Fall in South Jakarta Died Without Using PPE
Police have disclosed additional findings from a workplace accident at a multi-storey building project in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, which resulted in the deaths of four workers. Authorities state that the victims were not provided with personal protective equipment during the work process.
“Based on the crime scene examination and initial processing by the on-duty officers, at the time of the incident, the workers were not using personal protective equipment or PPE,” said AKP Indra Darmawan, Head of Criminal Investigation Unit at the South Jakarta Metropolitan Police Resort, to reporters on Tuesday (7/4/2026).
Indra stated that the police have examined the foreman and supervisors. They are currently investigating allegations of negligence in the incident.
The families, according to Indra, have refused autopsies. The police plan to question the building owner on Thursday (9/4) to delve into the permits and intended use of the building under construction.
“For now, we cannot confirm the purpose of the building and why it is being constructed, as the company owner will be examined on Thursday, providing permit documents and others to verify the nature of the building,” he explained.
Chronology of the Incident
The tragic event occurred on Friday (3/4/2026) around 10:00 WIB at a multi-storey building project on Jalan TB Simatupang, RT 02 RW 02, Tanjung Barat Village, Jagakarsa Subdistrict, South Jakarta.
The incident began when the foreman instructed the workers to drain a 6x3 metre clean water storage tank (gelonteng) located in the basement.
“Then, during the process of dismantling the cover, the victims fell into the gelonteng hole and were initially helped by their colleagues but without using safety equipment,” said Kombes Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations at the Metro Jaya Police, in his statement on Friday (3/4/2026).
Another worker witness who saw the incident then tried to assist his colleagues. The foreman then asked another witness to help evacuate the victims.
However, the witness felt unable to help due to the strength required. The witness sensed hot air around the gelonteng.
The four deceased victims are YN (31), M (61), TS (62), and MF (18). Additionally, three other workers reported shortness of breath while helping the victims.
The three injured victims are currently being treated at Pasar Rebo Hospital. They are Ujib (42), Ahmad Jaelani (37), and Sunar (63).