Indramayu Burned Refinery, DPR Member Call Pertamina Failed To Anticipate Old Refinery

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VI DPR RI, Lamhot Sinaga, assessed that PT Pertamina failed to anticipate the condition of old refineries. This is because the fire that occurred in Balongan, Indramayu, Monday, March 29, was not the first time. Fires have also occurred at Pertamina refineries in Balikpapan, Dumai and Cilacap.

"Why does this incident repeat itself, it means that the safety procedure at Pertamina is very weak, and it is very embarrassing for a state-owned company. Do not let the thought that the security of our fuel stock is very fragile and risky, because fires could occur at any time," said Lamhot, Tuesday, 30 March.

The Golkar politician reminded Pertamina not to simplify matters related to this incident. Don't assume, because the fuel stock is safe and not affected because the Balongan refinery fire means that the problem is over.

To avoid recurring incidents, Lamhot recommended that Pertamina carry out a comprehensive assessment, especially of safety procedures at all Pertamina refineries and depots throughout Indonesia.

"I urge Pertamina to carry out checks starting from primary safety considerations, such as tank design, fire-resistant piping, level measuring devices and alarms, fire prevention devices and others," he said.

It also includes secondary level safety considerations such as standard tank foundations, leak detection, vapor and gas detection, CCTV surveillance and so on. As well as tertiary level safety considerations such as safety areas that ensure there are no casualties from the surrounding community, even considering relocation to the community closest to the refinery.

"Because many Pertamina refineries are old, such as the Balongan refinery which has been operating since 1994, Pertamina must have the courage to change its equipment maintenance management system to ensure its reliability in operation even though this will erode Pertamina's profits," said Lamhot.

According to the legislator for the North Sumatra electoral district, Pertamina needs to carry out equipment testing periodically and separately from operational activities to minimize the possibility of equipment failure that could trigger fires.

"If it is true that this fire was caused by lightning, it means that there is anti-lightning equipment that is not functioning normally, even though anti-lightning technology in refineries or factories is something common," said Lamhot.

Regarding this incident, Commission VI of the DPR will immediately invite Pertamina to explain the causes and impacts of the Balongan refinery fire. His party also asked for an explanation regarding mitigation and change management related to safety procedures for hardware, software, modes of operation and the readiness of Pertamina's human resources.

"At the same time asking the management of Pertamina to account for the many victims who were caused by the fire at the refinery, as well as asking Pertamina to guarantee that the incident will not happen again in the future," said Lamhot.