Jakarta Office Blaze Claims 20 Lives; Rescue Operations Continue at Terra Drone Indonesia Building

A devastating fire at a seven-storey commercial building in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, claimed at least 20 lives on Tuesday, authorities confirmed. Officials said rescue teams are still searching for potential survivors inside the structure as cooling operations continue.

The blaze broke out around midday on the first floor of the building, which houses the headquarters of Terra Drone Indonesia, a company providing aerial survey drones to industries ranging from mining to agriculture. According to Central Jakarta Police Chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro, the flames rapidly spread to the upper floors, trapping several employees inside.

Many workers were on their lunch break when the fire erupted, while others had stepped out of the office, officials said. Firefighters rushed to the scene, battling the flames and evacuating employees through portable ladders. Television footage aired by Kompas TV showed emergency personnel carrying body bags out of the charred building.

“As of this afternoon, the death toll has reached 20,” Condro told reporters. “Our focus is now on evacuating victims and ensuring the fire has been fully cooled.”

Terra Drone Indonesia, the local unit of Japan-based Terra Drone Corporation, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities working to determine the cause of the fire and verify whether any additional victims remain inside the building.