Pertamina Prevents Crude Oil Theft in Prabumulih, South Sumatra

ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH

JAKARTA - PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Prabumulih Field has successfully thwarted an attempt to steal oil in the Prabumulih working area, South Sumatra, with the discovery of a modified tank truck near the production well.

Senior Manager of Prabumulih Field Muhammad Luthfi Ferdiansyah said the discovery of a modified tanker truck near the production well indicates the practice of illegal oil extraction which is carried out in a planned manner.

"The incident was revealed around SP 1 TTB," he said. The PEP Prabumulih Field Security Team together with the Closed Security Team (PAMTUP) Zone 4 found a truck stuck on the back road of SP 1 TTB (Tanjung Tiga Barat) towards Sumur 49, on Saturday (31/1), around 10.00 WIB.

He said the truck used a special tank that was unusual for a regular transport vehicle.

Initial examination showed that the truck was carrying about 10 tons of crude oil, which was suspected to have come from an oil well around the location. The volume of the load and the use of a modified tank indicate that the transport was not carried out spontaneously.

To follow up on the findings, he said that the PEP Prabumulih Field immediately coordinated with the Lembak Police for legal handling and case development.

During the investigation of the crime scene, security was tightened and checks were carried out on wells around the location to trace the possibility of similar activities.

"We appreciate the support of the Lembak Police in handling this incident," said Luthfi as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, February 4.

The crude oil found was confiscated as evidence and deposited at the Prabumulih Production Collection Center. The truck was secured by the police for further investigation.

Luthfi emphasized that the failure of the theft showed the importance of collaboration between all parties.

"Community participation is very needed to maintain national vital objects for the sustainability of energy supply," he said.