Rahmat Hidayat – An explosion at an Indonesian Army ammunition storage facility in East Java killed one soldier and injured six others on Thursday, military officials said, after a blast inside the military complex triggered widespread attention on social media.
The Indonesian Army confirmed the incident occurred at the Central Ammunition Depot (Gudang Pusat Amunisi/Gupusmu) in Saradan District, Madiun Regency, at around 9:00 a.m. local time.
Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono, Head of the Indonesian Army Information Service, said seven military personnel were affected by the explosion.
"One service member died as a result of the incident after receiving medical treatment," Donny said in an official statement on Thursday.
The remaining six personnel sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious.
"Four personnel suffered serious injuries, while two others sustained minor injuries," he said.
All casualties were evacuated to hospital immediately after the explosion, where they are receiving medical treatment.
"The Indonesian Army has taken the necessary initial response measures for the victims," Donny added.
The explosion occurred inside the military ammunition complex in Saradan and was reportedly powerful enough to be heard by residents living near the installation.
Videos and eyewitness accounts circulated rapidly across Indonesian social media platforms, with initial reports suggesting multiple soldiers had been injured. The Army later confirmed the casualty figures and said the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Military personnel maintained a heavy security presence throughout the day at Caruban Regional General Hospital in Mejayan District, Madiun Regency.
Security was concentrated around the hospital's emergency department, where the injured personnel were being treated, as well as the mortuary area where the deceased soldier was taken.
Authorities have not yet disclosed what triggered the explosion or whether it occurred during ammunition storage, handling, or maintenance activities.
An official investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.