Devastating Blaze Engulfs Jakarta Office Building, Claiming 22 Lives

A horrific fire tore through a seven-story office building in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 individuals, as reported by people.com. The tragedy unfolded rapidly, trapping numerous workers within the commercial structure.

Authorities believe the inferno originated from a drone battery located on the first floor, according to people.com. The blaze quickly escalated, spreading throughout the building and producing dense, toxic smoke that proved fatal for many.

Central Jakarta police chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro confirmed the rising death toll, which included a pregnant woman among the 15 female and 7 male victims, as reported by WION and TRT World. The search for additional victims continued amidst the charred remains of the building.

Most of the victims tragically succumbed to smoke inhalation rather than direct burns, police chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro told reporters. This highlights the critical danger posed by toxic fumes in enclosed fire environments.

Emergency services deployed hundreds of personnel and 29 fire trucks to battle the blaze, which took approximately three hours to bring under control, according to The Star. Firefighters also rescued at least 19 trapped workers, many suffering from breathing difficulties.

The affected building housed the offices of PT Terra Drone Indonesia, a company specializing in drone services for various sectors, Reuters reported. Many employees were reportedly out for lunch when the fire erupted, potentially saving more lives.

• Indonesia has established a comprehensive framework for fire protection in buildings, governed by national standards and regulations like SNI 03-3985-2000, which provides guidelines for fire protection system designs and implementation, as detailed by Konsultan K3 / HSE Consultant Jakarta. These regulations mandate active and passive fire protection measures, including sprinklers, fire alarms, fire-resistant materials, and emergency exits, particularly for high-rise structures.

• Drone batteries, particularly lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries, carry inherent fire risks if not handled properly, cnet reported in 2016. Overcharging, over-discharging, mechanical damage, high temperatures, and manufacturing defects can lead to thermal runaway, causing batteries to smoke and ignite. Safe charging practices, proper storage in fireproof bags, and avoiding extreme temperatures are crucial preventive measures, according to Pilot Institute.

• Smoke inhalation is consistently identified as the leading cause of death in fires, accounting for 50% to 80% of fire-related fatalities, according to Woods Air Movement USA. Toxic gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, produced by burning materials, can rapidly cause respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, and asphyxiation, even without direct contact with flames.

• The seven-story building in Jakarta's Kemayoran area was occupied by PT Terra Drone Indonesia, a firm providing drone services for industries such as mining and agriculture, as noted by WION and The Times of India. The fire, which started around midday, quickly spread upwards, causing panic among those inside and in the surrounding commercial district.

• The incident saw a rapid response from the Jakarta Fire Department, which deployed 100 firefighters and 29 fire trucks, The Star reported. Despite these efforts, the blaze was intense, and emergency crews were seen carrying body bags from the building, with a local police commander also sustaining injuries during evacuation assistance.

• The ongoing investigation by the forensic laboratory team will determine if negligence played a role in the fire, according to Central Jakarta police chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro, as reported by The Star. This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to fire safety standards, especially given that a significant number of high-rise buildings in Jakarta have been found non-compliant with adequate fire protection, as highlighted by Savills Indonesia.

• This tragedy may prompt a review of fire safety management and inspection protocols in Jakarta's commercial buildings. Recent updates to Indonesia's fire safety laws in 2025 emphasize periodic inspections and shared responsibilities among government authorities, developers, and building management, according to savills Indonesia. The incident highlights the urgent need for stringent enforcement of these regulations to prevent future catastrophes.