A devastating fire at a seven-storey office building in central Jakarta has left at least 22 people dead and dozens injured, as authorities continue to investigate the cause and raise urgent concerns about workplace safety and the hazards of lithium batteries.
The blaze erupted on the afternoon of December 9, 2025, at a building rented by Terra Drone Indonesia in the Kemayoran district, where drones and related equipment were stored and tested. Emergency crews responded to reports of thick smoke and flames pouring from the structure, and firefighters worked for hours to extinguish the inferno.
Police and disaster officials confirmed that hundreds of workers were inside the building when the fire broke out. Many employees escaped, but others became trapped on upper floors as smoke and heat spread rapidly upward. Thick black smoke and toxic fumes filled stairwells, cutting off escape routes and complicating evacuation efforts.
Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro said the fire is suspected to have originated on the ground floor, where lithium batteries for drones were stored. Preliminary reports suggest a stack of damaged or charging batteries may have sparked a thermal reaction, a peril known as thermal runaway, that ignited nearby materials and triggered the catastrophic blaze.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in drones, smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles due to their lightweight and high energy density. But safety experts warn that when these batteries fail, whether due to damage, overcharging, or improper storage, they can ignite violently, producing extremely hot flames and toxic smoke that can overwhelm buildings and endanger lives.
Officials have also criticized the building’s safety infrastructure, noting a lack of adequate emergency exits, sprinklers, and fire mitigation systems, which likely contributed to the high death toll. Indonesian authorities have launched a review of building safety compliance across the city and have emphasized the need to strengthen enforcement of fire prevention standards, especially in workplaces handling high-risk materials.
“The tragedy in Jakarta is a stark reminder that lithium battery hazards are not theoretical; they can be deadly when safeguards are inadequate,” said a fire safety specialist.
Experts recommend that companies and consumers alike follow strict guidelines: store batteries in ventilated, fire-resistant areas; avoid stacking or charging large quantities without monitoring; and ensure that proper fire suppression systems are in place.
Authorities have pledged to cover medical and funeral costs for victims and are continuing investigations to determine whether negligence or safety violations played a role. As communities worldwide increasingly rely on lithium-ion battery technology, this tragic incident underscores the urgent need for greater public awareness, stronger safety standards, and improved handling practices to prevent similar disasters.
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