JAKARTA A total of 13 people were reported to have died in a devastating explosion that occurred during the destruction of inadequate ammunition activities in Sagara Village, Cibalong District, Garut Regency, West Java, on Monday morning, May 12.
The explosion occurred in an area where military personnel officially detonated, sparking national concern over the safety of military procedures in handling explosives.
Responding to the tragedy, Member of Commission I DPR RI from the Golkar Party faction, Nurul Arifin, urged the TNI to immediately conduct a thorough evaluation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) used in the activities of destroying ammunition.
Menjelang ledakan mematikan itu #Cibalong #Garut pic.twitter.com/wwdEnzaqEY
— VOI Media (@MediaVoi) May 12, 2025
Ahead of the deadly explosion #Cibalong #Garut pic.twitter.com/wwdEnzaqEY
"I am very saddened and concerned about this tragedy. The activity of destroying ammunition certainly carries high risks, and therefore, it must be carried out with very strict security protocols. This tragedy shows the possibility of negligence or shortcomings in the SOP used," said Nurul Arifin in a press statement in Jakarta, Monday, May 12.
Nurul added that as a partner of the TNI, Commission I of the DPR RI will request an official report from the TNI Headquarters, especially from the Army, regarding the chronology and responsibility for the incident. He also emphasized the importance of a thorough audit of the ammunition disposal procedure, especially those involving civilian personnel.
This kind of activity should not be considered a routine. It must be ensured that all personnel involved have expertise, adequate personal protective equipment, and that the surrounding environment is completely sterile from risk," he continued.
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The fatalities consisted of several military personnel and civilians. Among them are Colonel Cpl Antonius Hermawan and Major Cpl Anda Rohanda, as well as a number of civilians suspected of being involved in activities or around the location at the time of the incident.
"We also ask the TNI to pay maximum attention to the families of the victims, both in the form of compensation, psychological assistance, and proper respect for the soldiers who died," added Nurul.
According to initial reports from the Intelligence Unit of Kodim 0611/Garut, all victims have now been evacuated to Pameungpeuk Hospital and the location of the explosion has been secured by the joint apparatus. The TNI's internal investigation team is said to be working to collect technical data and review the cause of the explosion.
"We don't want this tragedy to repeat itself. Commission I will continue to oversee the investigation process and ask for a tightening of security in handling explosives in the military environment," concluded Nurul Arifin.
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