Jakarta, Indonesia – Michael Wisnu Wardhana, Director Utama (CEO) of PT Terra Drone Indonesia, has been sentenced to one year and four months in prison following his conviction for negligence in a devastating office fire that claimed the lives of 22 employees. The verdict, delivered by the Central Jakarta District Court on Thursday, May 21, 2026, concluded a high-profile case that has drawn significant attention to workplace safety within the rapidly expanding drone industry.
Wardhana was initially sought a two-year prison sentence by prosecutors on May 11, 2026. The prosecution argued that his negligence in preventing, mitigating, and extinguishing the fire at the company’s Central Jakarta office on December 9, 2025, directly led to the tragic loss of life.
Details of the Tragedy and Legal Proceedings
The fire, which occurred at PT Terra Drone’s seven-story office building, highlighted critical safety deficiencies. According to prosecutors, the building, primarily used for storing company assets including high-capacity lithium polymer drone batteries (type 6s 30,000 mAh), featured only a single main entrance and lacked emergency staircases. This structural limitation severely hampered evacuation efforts when the fire broke out.
During the trial, it was revealed that employees struggled to contain the initial sparks due to the absence of fire extinguishers (APAR). The fire quickly escalated, trapping and ultimately killing 22 individuals. The incident underscores the critical need for robust safety protocols, especially in facilities handling specialized equipment like those used in drone technology.
Judicial Rationale and Mitigating Factors
The panel of judges considered several factors in reaching their verdict. A key aggravating factor was Wardhana’s failure to address known safety hazards, despite having the authority and financial means to improve the building’s conditions. “The defendant had full authority and financial capability to improve the safety conditions of the building but did not utilize it,” stated Judge Sunoto, as reported by Kompas.tv. The court emphasized that the deaths of 22 employees could have been prevented had proper safety standards been observed.
Conversely, several mitigating factors influenced the reduced sentence. Wardhana expressed sincere remorse and offered apologies to the victims’ families. He had no prior criminal record and had actively pursued reconciliation with 20 of the victims’ families, providing compensation and scholarships for the children left behind. “The defendant not only provided compensation but also scholarships for the children of the victims as a form of fulfilled responsibility,” the judge noted.
Industry Implications and Safety Concerns
This case sends a strong message to the burgeoning global drone industry regarding corporate responsibility and workplace safety. The extensive use of lithium-ion batteries in drones, from consumer models to advanced commercial and military systems, presents unique fire hazards if not stored and managed correctly. This incident highlights the need for companies to prioritize comprehensive safety measures, including fire suppression systems, emergency exits, and proper handling procedures for high-energy density batteries.
The Indonesian legal framework, specifically Article 474 paragraph (3) of Law Number 1 Year 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, addresses negligence resulting in death, providing the legal basis for the prosecution. This legal precedent is particularly relevant as Indonesia’s drone laws continue to evolve, with regulations like UU Nomor 21 Tahun 2025 Airspace Management supporting the nation’s drone ecosystem but also requiring strict adherence to safety standards on the ground.
Broader Context and Future Outlook
The conviction of a CEO in such a tragic incident is relatively rare and underscores a growing global trend towards holding corporate leadership accountable for workplace safety. As the UAS industry expands, with companies like Anduril Industries exploring new manufacturing facilities for military drones and others developing advanced technologies, the emphasis on rigorous safety protocols will only intensify.
The legal outcome serves as a stark reminder that innovation and rapid growth in the Industry must be balanced with an unwavering commitment to the well-being of employees. Companies operating in this sector are expected to review and enhance their safety standards to prevent similar catastrophes and ensure a secure working environment for all personnel involved in the development, testing, and deployment of unmanned aircraft systems.
