On December 9, 2025, a massive fire gutted a seven-story office building in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, killing at least 22 people, including a pregnant woman.
The fire reportedly broke out around noon on the first floor of the building, which is a storage or testing area used by a company providing drone services. Within minutes, the fire spread quickly and engulfed the building, filling it with thick black smoke.
The fire brigade responded with great urgency, with more than 100 rescue workers and 29 fire trucks working to extinguish the fire and rescue trapped workers. Unfortunately, many victims were unable to escape. Authorities believe most of the dead died from smoke inhalation, not burns. Survivors described desperate escape attempts, with some workers climbing onto the roof and others being rescued from upper floors using ladders.
Causes of fire and building vulnerability
Initial investigation revealed that the cause of the fire may have been a defective battery in the drone, which was stored on the first floor. Some reports have suggested that the accident may have been caused by a short circuit or “thermal failure” in the lithium-ion batteries used in many drone systems.
However, investigators have warned that the exact cause is still under formal investigation by forensic experts. In addition to the cause of the fire, preliminary assessments indicate that the building did not have adequate fire protection. Poor ventilation, lack of proper emergency exits and inadequate fireproof battery storage have been cited as possible contributing factors. Survivors and witnesses were reported in local media to have raised concerns about safety breaches, with some noting that there appeared to be no designated emergency exits, forcing panicked staff to resort to external staircases and rooftops.
Broader concerns: What this tragedy says about fire safety in Jakarta
This hell in Kemayoran is not just a tragic accident. This is seen as a stark reminder of the systematic fire safety violations currently affecting many commercial buildings in Jakarta. Experts and local security officials have warned that such a disaster could easily happen again unless urgent reforms are implemented. Common issues include:
- Improper storage of hazardous materials (such as lithium-ion batteries) in office buildings or warehouses without fire protection.
- Lack of functional and well-equipped emergency exits, fire escapes, and evacuation procedures.
- Building codes, fire drills, and safety inspections are missing or inadequate.
- Congested or mixed-use buildings where storage, testing, and office spaces coexist increase the risk of fire.
Local authorities have already vowed to investigate not only the immediate cause, but also whether negligence or safety violations contributed.
Why is it important, and what needs to change?
The human toll of this disaster is tragic. Dozens of lives were lost, families destroyed, and workers injured. But beyond individual grief, the event highlighted broader vulnerabilities in building safety, code enforcement, and disaster preparedness.
This should be a wake-up call for businesses and building owners in Jakarta, especially those working with batteries, chemicals and other potentially dangerous equipment. The installation of adequate fireproof storage, regular safety inspections, emergency exits, evacuation plans and fire suppression systems should no longer be mandatory.
For regulators and city officials, the message is clear. Emergency fire safety procedures, rigorous inspections, compliance with building codes, and liability for violations should be non-negotiable. For both residents and workers, vigilance, knowledge of emergency exits, and the requirements for a safe working environment are essential.
This tragic fire in Kemayoran killed 22 people and injured many others. This cannot be considered a simple disaster. This is expected to be a turning point, triggering major reforms in fire protection, building inspections and urban regulations in Jakarta and other cities.
