3 Killed in Bandung Barat Mortar Explosion, Suspected to Be Scavenging Old Ammunition

A tragic explosion in Bandung Barat, West Java, claimed the lives of three residents who were allegedly scavenging for used ammunition. Ade (21), Suhri (40), and Rodiana (40), all from Kampung Ciparang, died on Wednesday, July 8, after an object, suspected to be a mortar shell, detonated.

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I don't know exactly how many there were, or if they were all active. Because after that, the police and TNI immediately secured everything, and it's now cordoned off.

The victims, whose primary profession was farming, were known to collect discarded ammunition from Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) training grounds at the Infantry Education Center (Pusdikif). Local resident and eyewitness Damet (43) reported hearing a loud explosion and finding the three victims severely injured and bleeding. Police and military personnel quickly secured the scene and began an investigation.

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They used to scavenge for used training bullets, but scavenging for mortars might be a first. I saw them dismantling a mortar at Ade's house, as there was a hammer and chisel. But I don't know how many mortars and bullets they brought home.

Authorities are awaiting laboratory results from the Gegana unit of the West Java Regional Police to determine the origin and type of the explosive device. Lieutenant Colonel Inf Sunarya, head of the Pusdikif Engineering Department, stated that mortar ammunition is used by multiple units, not just Pusdikif, and that other military units also conduct training in the area. Therefore, confirming the source of the mortar is crucial.

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We are currently waiting for the Gegana team from the Police to provide the results of the laboratory tests on whether it was a grenade from us (Pusdikif) or from elsewhere.

Cipatat Police Chief Kompol DMS Andriani reiterated that collecting spent ammunition from TNI training areas is strictly prohibited and dangerous. She confirmed that the victims were known scavengers of these materials and were reportedly dismantling a mortar shell at the time of the incident. The police have cordoned off the area and secured any remaining ammunition.

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It is clearly forbidden, and the public is not allowed to enter TNI training areas anywhere. And it is known that these three victims liked to scavenge for used training bullet casings, and during the incident, they were scavenging for what is suspected to be a mortar.