TL;DR
The CEO of Terra Drone Indonesia was sentenced to 16 months in prison for negligence related to a fire that killed 22 workers. The court found him responsible for safety lapses leading to the tragedy. This case highlights issues of workplace safety and corporate accountability in Indonesia.
An Indonesian court has sentenced the CEO of Terra Drone Indonesia to 16 months in prison for negligent homicide after a fire at the company’s Jakarta office in December 2025 killed 22 employees and injured 15, according to court records.
The court found that the CEO, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, was responsible for safety lapses that contributed to the fire, which broke out in December 2025. The incident resulted in 22 fatalities and 15 injuries, making it one of the deadliest workplace fires in recent Indonesian history. The court’s ruling emphasizes accountability for corporate negligence in workplace safety standards, with prosecutors arguing that inadequate safety measures and failure to enforce fire prevention protocols led to the tragedy. The CEO was convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to 16 months in prison, though the court did not impose a larger penalty or ban him from holding executive roles. Terra Drone Indonesia has not issued a public statement regarding the ruling.
Why It Matters
This case underscores ongoing concerns about workplace safety regulations and enforcement in Indonesia, especially in rapidly growing sectors like drone technology and tech startups. The sentencing sends a signal that corporate negligence can lead to criminal liability, potentially influencing safety practices across the industry. For workers and the public, it highlights the importance of safety standards and accountability in preventing future tragedies.
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Background
The fire at Terra Drone Indonesia’s Jakarta office occurred in December 2025, with initial reports indicating poor fire safety measures and inadequate emergency protocols. The incident drew national attention due to the high death toll and concerns over workplace safety in Indonesia’s tech sector. Previous incidents involving workplace safety lapses have prompted calls for stricter regulations, but enforcement remains inconsistent. The court’s ruling is among the first high-profile convictions related to workplace safety in Indonesia in recent years, marking a significant legal development.
“The court found that negligence in safety management directly contributed to the loss of life and held the defendant accountable.”
— Prosecutor’s Office
“This sentencing sets a precedent that corporate leaders can be held criminally liable for safety lapses, which may lead to improved safety standards.”
— Legal analyst Dr. Rina Suryanto
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What Remains Unclear
It is still unclear whether the CEO plans to appeal the verdict or if additional charges or investigations are ongoing. Details regarding the specific safety lapses and the company’s internal safety protocols have not been publicly disclosed.
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What’s Next
The CEO may file an appeal against the sentence, which could prolong the legal process. Meanwhile, Indonesian authorities may increase inspections and enforcement of workplace safety regulations, especially in the tech sector. The case could also influence future corporate safety policies and legal standards in Indonesia.
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Key Questions
What exactly was the cause of the fire?
The specific cause of the fire has not been publicly confirmed. Investigations indicated safety lapses, but details remain undisclosed.
Will the CEO serve the full prison sentence?
The sentenced period is 16 months; whether he will serve the full term depends on Indonesian legal procedures, including potential appeals and parole considerations.
What safety measures were lacking at the office?
Details about the safety lapses have not been officially released, but reports suggest inadequate fire prevention and emergency response protocols.
How has Terra Drone responded to the incident?
Terra Drone Indonesia has not issued a public statement regarding the court ruling or safety concerns following the fire.
Source: Nikkei Asia
