A major fire devastated a seven-storey office building in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, leaving at least 17 people dead. According to initial investigations, the blaze erupted on the first floor before rapidly spreading through the structure and sending dense black smoke across the area.
Evacuation efforts are still underway, as several people are believed to be trapped inside. The building is identified as the office of Terra Drone Indonesia, a company specialising in aerial survey drones for sectors ranging from mining to agriculture.
Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Susatyo Purnomo Condro, said the fire began when a battery stored on the first floor ignited. Employees attempted to extinguish it, but the flames spread quickly because the floor was being used as a warehouse. The fire intensified, and smoke rose to the sixth floor.
Authorities confirmed that all victims recovered from the site have been taken to Kramat Jati Police Hospital for identification. Panic also spread across nearby residential and commercial areas as emergency teams worked to control the blaze. The fire has since been extinguished, but search and rescue operations are continuing.

Deadly blaze engulfs Jakarta building; battery ignition suspected as cause

Jakarta Office Fire Kills 17 People

Deadly blaze engulfs Jakarta building; battery ignition suspected as cause

December 9, 2025 | 21:01 IST