Regarding The H2H Gas Leak At The Sorik Marapi PLTP, The Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources And The Police Form A Joint Team To Conduct In-depth Investigations

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and the police are currently investigating reports of suspected H2H gas leaks at the Sorik Marapi Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) in Mandailing Natal, North Sumatra.

The Head of the Communications, Public Information Services and Cooperation Bureau (KLIK) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Agung Pribadi, said that the government itself continues to investigate the gas leak incident.

"The government is currently investigating the report by forming a joint team consisting of the Directorate General of EBTKE and the North Sumatra Regional Police to investigate the report," Agung said in his statement, Monday, March 14.

Currently, continued Agung, a joint team consisting of the Directorate General of EBTKE and the Forensic Laboratory of the North Sumatra Regional Police is conducting an investigation including coordinating with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkompinda) of Mandailing Natal Regency.

"Their team also conducted an assessment of other potential H2S sources around the location," he concluded.

This step also received full support from PT Sorik Marapi Geothermal Power (SMGP) as the person in charge of the project.

"SMGP continues to provide full support for the ongoing investigation process," said SMGP Head of Corporate Affairs Yani Siskartika.

SMGP's internal investigation, continued Yani, concluded that there was no H2S gas leak during the AAE-05 well testing which at that time was suspected of causing health problems for the people in Sibanggor Julu village.

"Last monitoring, there are no more residents being treated at local hospitals. We are committed to always providing support to the community, including health assistance," he said.

On March 10, 2022, SMGP has coordinated with the Governor of North Sumatra and other relevant stakeholders including the authorities. SMGP supports the decision of the Provincial Government of Sumatra and the District Government of Mandailing Natal to temporarily stop testing the AAE-05 well until the investigation is complete. Meanwhile, other activities are running normally as recommended by EBTKE.

"SMGP will always follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all operational activities which include testing wells, taking into account a strict review by EBTKE, and continuing to work closely with local stakeholders for a more complete and comprehensive mitigation plan related to social issues," said Yani.

For information, PT Sorik Marapi Geothermal Power is the legal holder of the right to manage and develop geothermal resources in the Sorik Marapi - Roburan - Sampuraga Geothermal Working Area in Mandailing Natal, North Sumatra.

SMGP obtained a Geothermal Business Permit (IUP) in 2010 and a Geothermal Permit (IPB) since 2015, with an area covered of 62,900 HA and potential geothermal resources reaching 240 MW.

In 2016, KS Orka Renewables Pte. Ltd. Take over 95 percent of PT SMGP's shares from its previous sponsor. To date, PT SMGP has reached the Commercial Operating Date (COD) for Unit I of 45 MW in 2019 and Unit II of 45 MW in 2021.