Balikpapan Oil Refinery Burned 2 Times In Three Months, Observers Ask Pertamina To Conduct Evaluation

Pertamina oil refinery fire in Balikpapan. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - There have been two fire incidents at the Balikpapan Oil Refinery managed by PT Pertamina International (KPI) this year.

The first fire occurred in March, and the second on Sunday 15 May 2022.

Energy Watch Executive Director Mamit Setiawan said PT KPI should be able to learn from the first fire incident.

"A change in management at KPI should have brought about a change in everything, but it turned out that there were misses, resulting in fires and even fatalities," Mamit told VOI, Tuesday, May 17.

He added that the fire incident that occurred for the second time would affect investor confidence in Pertamina.

"If Pertamina does not learn from its mistakes, it will certainly make investors think," said Mamit.

Nevertheless, he appreciates Pertamina's steps in maintaining the security of supply of fuel oil (BBM) to the public.

One person died and 5 were injured in a fire following an explosion that occurred at the Pertamina refinery in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Sunday, May 15.

"The victim who died was an employee of our contractor," said Pertamina Balikpapan Refinery General Manager (GM) Wahyu Sulistyo Wibowo as quoted by Antara, Sunday night.

Of the 5 injured victims, 3 Pertamina employees and 2 contractor employees. The three Pertamina employees suffered burns and were being treated intensively at the Pertamina Balikpapan Hospital (RSPB). The two contractor employees were allowed to go home, also after being treated at the RSPB.

"We are deeply saddened and express our deep condolences to the families of the victims," ​​continued GM Wahyu.

He ensured that the Balikpapan Refinery and the company where the victim worked would provide the best treatment regarding the rights of the victim and her family while preparing other necessary needs.

Once again, GM Wahyu apologized to the family, that the maximum care provided could not save the victim.

GM also ensures that all other victims also get the appropriate rights so that they can recover quickly and be healthy again.

The sound of the explosion that was heard up to a radius of 2 km occurred at around 10.30 a.m. Central Indonesian Time (WITA). After that, black smoke was seen rising from the Pertamina Refinery area in the south of the city.

Ely Chandra Warinangin, Public Relations of Pertamina Refinery Balikpapan, explained that the smoke came from Plant 5 Unit Hydro Skimming Complex.

This unit makes or prepares raw materials for gasoline products (pertalite and pertamax).

The fire can only be controlled by the refinery fire brigade unit at 11.30 a.m. WITA.

"Currently, we have temporarily suspended the operations of Plant 5," said Chandra.

He continued, at this time Pertamina is also making efforts to restore the Balikpapan Refinery's operations so that they can return to the maximum.

Therefore, for the time being, the transfer of supply is also being carried out to ensure that there is no disruption in the supply of fuel to the community.