Particle.news

Blast at Indonesian Ammunition Disposal Site Kills 13

Military investigates fatal West Java explosion that claimed nine civilian and four military lives during expired munitions disposal.

Overview

  • Thirteen people, including nine civilians and four military personnel, were killed in a blast during the disposal of expired ammunition in West Java on May 12, 2025.
  • The explosion occurred as military officers were completing the controlled detonation of unstable munitions in a designated disposal field.
  • Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blast and to address how civilians were able to access the restricted detonation area.
  • Local residents are known to gather near disposal sites to collect scrap materials, heightening risks during such operations.
  • This is the second major incident involving expired Indonesian military ammunition in just over a year, following a March 2024 depot fire and explosion near Jakarta.