South Tangerang Market Blast: Bomb Ruled Out, Forensic Cause Still Pending

South Tangerang, The Banten Post – Police have ruled out a bomb in the Oct. 14 blast at Cimanggis Market, but the forensic cause remains unresolved as investigators examine whether gas used in fruit-ripening operations, negligence or deliberate action was involved.

The explosion struck a two-story shophouse in Ciputat, South Tangerang, at about 6:30 p.m. local time, according to a chronology published by Tempo. Police reported two deaths and 11 injuries, bringing the confirmed casualty total to 13. Reuters also reported the same toll and said an ethylene gas cylinder was found at the site.

What has police confirmed?

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police bomb squad found no bomb or other explosive device, the National Police’s official news portal reported. “Regarding the explosion, we believe that our team indicates that there was no bomb involved nor explosives,” said Senior Superintendent Budi Hermanto, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police public-relations chief, in Jakarta on Oct. 20, according to the police statement.

Police are awaiting the National Police Forensic Laboratory Center’s results. Hermanto said investigators were examining whether LPG, ethylene gas or another factor caused the explosion and fire. The General Criminal Investigation Directorate is also investigating whether the incident involved intent or negligence.

Why is ethylene gas central to the investigation?

Tempo reported that investigators recovered a 52-kilogram ethylene gas cylinder, along with hose pieces used to channel the gas into a room where bananas were ripened. The report said the blast’s epicenter had been narrowed to that room. Those findings may explain what investigators are examining, but they do not establish the ignition mechanism or assign responsibility.

Antara reported that 11 injured people were treated at Sari Asih Hospital, South Tangerang Regional Hospital and Fatmawati Hospital. Four were listed as seriously injured and seven as having minor injuries. Police said victim treatment and recovery remained a priority while the investigation continued.

What should the public verify next?

The key outstanding question is the forensic laboratory’s scientific conclusion: what ignited the gas, whether storage and handling complied with safety requirements, and whether investigators find negligence or intent. Authorities should also clarify when the affected premises can safely reopen and whether nearby businesses require inspection before resuming operations.

Google Trends’ Indonesia comparison page, checked for “South Tangerang market blast” and “Cimanggis Market explosion,” returned “not enough data to show” results. That means the exact terms cannot substantiate a numerical search surge. Current attention is better explained by the incident’s fatal toll and continuing investigation updates than by a verified Trends figure.