A deadly explosion rocked Indonesia’s West Java province on Monday, killing at least 13 individuals during the disposal of expired ammunition, according to Indonesian military officials. Among the deceased were four army personnel, with the rest comprising civilians and other security staff involved in the operation.
The incident occurred in Garut, a region known for its military training grounds, as armed forces attempted to safely eliminate outdated munitions. The blast triggered immediate concern over safety protocols and operational procedures followed during the disposal process.
Indonesian authorities have launched an urgent investigation to determine the root cause of the explosion. As of now, officials have not confirmed what specifically triggered the detonation.
Images from the scene showed military and police officers solemnly carrying coffins draped in national flags, symbolizing the nation’s mourning and respect for the victims.
Military spokesperson Colonel Andika Permana said, “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. A full inquiry is underway to assess the safety measures in place and ensure such incidents do not happen again.”
Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) units across the country have been alerted to review their current protocols. Safety experts have also been dispatched to the site for forensic analysis and assessment of ammunition storage and handling practices.
Indonesia has a history of ammunition storage challenges, with several past incidents prompting debates over the need for stricter disposal regulations and better training for personnel.
As investigations continue, the tragedy highlights ongoing concerns over outdated military stockpiles and the urgent need for reform in disposal methods to safeguard both personnel and nearby communities.
