Members Of DPR Commission IX Ask President Jokowi To Intervene In The SMGP Pipe Leak

President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. (Photo: Doc. Setkab)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX of the DPR RI, Saleh Partaonan Daulay, asked the government to immediately address the issue of the PT Sorik Marapi Geothermal Power (SMGP) gas pipeline leak in Mandailing Natal (Madina) Regency, North Sumatra. Daulay assessed that this incident had actually harmed and endangered local residents because there were dozens of victims who were hospitalized due to inhaling toxic gas from a leaking pipe.

"The safety of the community must be the top priority. They don't understand what PT SMGP is doing. But if someone is poisoned, they will panic," said Saleh in a written statement, quoted on Tuesday, April 26.

Daulay added, this incident has happened several times and as if not learning from previous incidents, similar incidents keep repeating themselves.

"In the past (the gas pipe) also leaked. I had a chance to visit there. Get in touch and see the condition of the community. The pipes that carry gas from geothermal energy there are very large. Imagine if it leaked. It will definitely endanger life and safety. residents," said Saleh.

Therefore, he continued, the government should have evaluated, monitored, and audited the performance of PT SMGP. He said that because they hope to get renewable energy, the government forgets about the safety of the citizens. Energy is of course very important, but people's comfort and tranquility is much more important.

"Given the importance of this, I request that President Jokowi intervene. In other areas, the president often intervenes as well. I am sure, the president will definitely pay attention and resolve this problem," said Saleh.

Daulay also asked PT SMGP to be closed temporarily until things are safe again.

"Besides, if something goes wrong, PT SMGP is closed first. If everything is declared safe, then we will think about what to do next. Don't rush to get your investment back and make a profit. Once again, the safety of the people must be above all else," he concluded.

Previously, on Sunday 24 April, dozens of residents in Sibanggor Julu Village, Puncak Sorik Marapi District, Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatra were poisoned by hydrogen sulfide gas or H2S. According to the Madina Police Chief, AKBP Reza Chairul Akbar, in this incident 12 people were poisoned.

Based on the investigation by the authorities, it was found that the cause of the poisoning came from a well owned by PT Sorik Marapi Geothermal Power.