Chinese rocket debris falls in Indonesian palm oil plantation

Researchers from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have identified large metal debris found in a palm oil plantation near Sampit, Central Kalimantan, as remnants of a Chinese ZhuQue-2E (ZQ-2E) rocket.

The debris, described by local police as a large, irregular aluminum piece approximately 9 meters long with scorch marks, was discovered on October 19 following reports of a loud explosion the previous evening. BRIN astrophysicist Thomas Djamaluddin stated that orbital data shows the ZhuQue-2E rocket passed over Kalimantan from north to south on October 18, 2026, around 17:36 WIB, matching the timing of the local reports.

The ZhuQue-2E is a satellite launch vehicle developed by the Chinese commercial space company LandSpace. While the debris fell near residential and work areas of the Agro Bukit palm oil company, no injuries or property damage were reported, and there is no risk of radiation or toxic chemical leaks.