TNI: Munitions Warehouse Explosion Occurred During Ammunition Maintenance

Indonesian Army spokesperson Brigadier General Donny Pramono stated that the explosion at the Army’s Munitions Warehouse (Gupusmu) in Saradan District, Madiun Regency, East Java, occurred whilst soldiers were carrying out ammunition maintenance and upkeep. “Based on the initial report we received, the incident happened when personnel were implementing inspection and maintenance procedures for munitions material in one of the storage warehouses,” Donny said during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday (16/7). However, he could not explain in detail the main cause of the warehouse explosion. He was also unable to specify the type of munition that triggered the incident. As a result of the incident, one soldier was killed and six others sustained minor to severe injuries. “All victims were taken to hospital for rapid medical treatment, and we are reporting the matter procedurally and through the chain of command,” he stated. Donny said his party has formed an investigation team to determine the cause of the munitions warehouse explosion. “We have formed an investigation team to conduct a thorough and in-depth investigation to ascertain the exact chronology and cause of the incident,” Donny revealed. Currently, the Army is relying on the investigation team dispatched to Madiun to find the main cause of the warehouse explosion. “We also invite all parties to give the investigation team space to work optimally and to avoid speculation about the cause of the incident before the entire examination process is complete,” Donny said.