Mud Burst In Tulang Bawang Lampung, ESDM: Does Not Contain Hazardous Gas

Mud and gas bursts in Bumi Dipasena Makmur Village, Rawajitu District, East Tulang Bawang Regency. BETWEEN/HO-Capture the public's video screen.

JAKARTA - The Department of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) ensures that the natural gas contained in the mudflow in Bumi Dipasena Makmur Village, East Rawajitu District, Tulang Bawang Regency, Lampung Province, is harmless.

"The team has gone to the field and has taken water samples, as well as recorded the area around the mudflow. Now we are researching further the water," said Head of Energy at the Lampung Province Energy Office, Sopian Atiek in Bandarlampung, Tuesday, as reported by Antara.

He said the natural gas was identified when mud bursts came out of the bore well.

"Of course we have confirmed that currently, natural gas that comes out with mudflows does not contain dangerous gas," he said.

He explained that the alleged content in natural gas is still under research and examination by the ground investigation team. It is a long time since the process of investigating the gas content has not been determined because it requires a detailed examination.

"What is certain is that the gas contains methane gas. However, we are still confirming other gas content. Currently, the burst has stopped, because it has been consumed once and the gas is definitely not dangerous," he said.

He has also coordinated with the Geological Agency in Bandung to conduct an in-depth study of the potential gas in Rawajitu. Because the area to Mesuji Regency found a potential for low-pressure gas in the surrounding swampy area.

"We have also informed Pertamina EP regarding this, because Rawajitu as a working area entered their working area. And this is a good sign because there are indications that there are oil and gas in the surrounding area. However, we still need further research," he added.

Previously, it was known that in Bumi Dipasena Makmur Village, East Rawajitu District, Tulang Bawang Regency on Monday, August 4, it started drilling the well next to TK Dharma Wanita. The excavation of the well is planned to be used for the benefit of the surrounding community.

On Saturday 9 August, the excavation of a 100 meter deep drilling well waiting for the water to flow at 15.00 WIB emitted mud with a height of up to 25 meters. But now the mudflow has stopped.