Smoke Grenades Found by Scavenger in Cempaka Putih, Police Hunt for Origin
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- Seorang pemulung menemukan dua granat asap di lahan kosong Cempaka Putih, Jakarta Pusat, pada Rabu (16/9).
- Tim Gegana Polda Metro Jaya memastikan granat sudah tidak aktif dan menyisir lokasi untuk memastikan tidak ada benda berbahaya lain.
- Polisi masih mendalami asal-usul granat dan memeriksa pemulung yang menemukannya.
Two smoke grenades were found on an empty plot of land in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (16/9). The discovery was first reported by a scavenger who was searching for scrap in the area. Police moved quickly, deploying a bomb disposal team from the Gegana Detachment of the Jakarta Metro Police to the scene.
The head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at the Central Jakarta Metro Police, AKBP Sang Ngurah Wiratama, said the grenades had already been used and were no longer active. "The smoke grenades had been used, and they have now been secured by the police's Gegana Detachment. Their status is no longer active," Wira told reporters. Nevertheless, the presence of the suspicious objects briefly unsettled nearby residents, given the location is in a densely populated area.
After receiving the report, the Gegana team not only secured the grenades but also carried out a thorough sweep around the empty plot. According to Wira, the sweep was conducted to ensure no other dangerous objects had been left behind. "A sweep was just carried out by the Gegana Detachment around the area, both at the crime scene and its surroundings. So it is confirmed safe, and activities can resume as normal," he said. He added that residents no longer needed to worry about the potential for bombs or grenades in the area.
Police are still investigating the origin of the smoke grenades. The scavenger who first found them is being questioned at the Cempaka Putih Police Station. "On that (the origin of the smoke grenades), we are still looking into it. We do not yet know for certain; we may get an answer from the Gegana Detachment after they carry out a deeper investigation," Wira explained. Investigators have not been able to determine whether the grenades were deliberately left behind or carried in with scrap from elsewhere.
The discovery of smoke grenades in a residential area is not the first to happen in Jakarta. Previously, several similar cases emerged from scrap belonging to certain institutions that was not properly managed. Security observers say stricter oversight is needed for military material waste, especially items that could endanger residents. Although smoke grenades do not have lethal explosive power, their presence still poses a risk if they fall into the wrong hands or are triggered accidentally.
"We urge residents not to touch or move suspicious objects and to immediately report them to the authorities," Wira said.
From a law enforcement perspective, the case highlights the importance of coordination between the police, the Indonesian Military (TNI), and the managers of empty plots. Untended open land often becomes a site for illegal dumping, including of dangerous items. Police have not mentioned any element of intent, but the investigation will look into the possibility of negligence in asset management. Nearby residents hope the empty plot will be cleaned up soon so it does not become a den for illegal activity.
Going forward, the public awaits the results of the Gegana team's investigation to reveal where the smoke grenades came from. If negligence is proven, it is possible that some parties will be held accountable. Meanwhile, activity around the location has returned to normal after police declared the area safe. The case is a reminder that vigilance against suspicious objects remains a shared responsibility, especially in dense urban environments.
