UGM Expert: Transfer Of Pertamina Plumpang Depot Is A Solution To Prevent Fire Again

JAKARTA - Energy Economy Observer at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Fahmy Badhi proposed the transfer of the Pertamina Plumpang Depot, North Jakarta, after the intense fire incident that occurred, on Friday night, March 3.

According to him, this solution is the right option so that similar incidents do not happen again in the future.

"The transfer of the Pertamina Plumpang Depot is the right and fast option for several reasons," Fahmi said in an official statement received by VOI, Monday, March 6.

Fahmi said, there were three main reasons related to the transfer of the depot.

First, the fire outbreak started with the Pertamina Plumpang Depot, not a resident's house

The second reason, said Fahmi, was that the transfer of the Pertamina Plumpang Depot could be decided quickly by the Pertamina Board of Directors rather than relocating the population.

"Meanwhile, the decision to relocate residential areas is longer because it involves several parties, such as Pertamina, the DKI Regional Government, and residents (place)," he said.

For the last reason, continued Fahmi, the location of the Pertamina Plumpang Depot was no longer feasible because it was in the middle of densely populated settlements.

"There is not enough buffer water needed for the pipe cooling process," he said.

Fahmi added that the distribution of fuel oil (BBM) from the refinery to Depo using pipes and some passing through the residential area was considered dangerous, because at any time when the pipe caught fire it would definitely cause a fire to the residents' houses around it.

"With this reason, there is only one word 'Move Pertamina Plumpang Depot in the shortest possible time'," he concluded.