JAKARTA - The tragedy of white smoke in the PT Antam Pongkor gold mining area was reported to have claimed human lives.
Six residents of Bangun Jaya Village, Cigudeg District, Bogor Regency, died after inhaling smoke from a mine hole.
All the victims are known to come from Kampung Cimapag Hilir and were sent home gradually. The first three victims were buried on Wednesday, January 13, 2026 evening, followed by three other victims on Friday, January 15, 2026 early morning.
The head of Bangun Jaya Village, Abdul Halim, said that this incident hit the local residents very hard because all the victims were in one RT.
"Even the RT chairman was a victim. We have visited the funeral home with the RT and village staff," he said.
In addition to the deceased, nine other residents managed to survive the incident despite having suffered from shortness of breath and needing help.
This incident occurred in the IUP area of PT Antam Pongkor, which had previously reported white smoke with unknown content.
A number of illegal miners were found dead due to lack of oxygen.
This incident adds to the long list of safety issues in the mining area and is a serious concern for the surrounding community.
Antam's explanation
As previously reported, PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM) denied that there had been an explosion in the mine area.
The company emphasized that the video circulating on social media and several reports regarding the explosion in the mine area as well as the claim that hundreds of people were trapped in the mine area were hoaxes.
"The video that is circulating is a documentation of handling technical conditions in underground mine areas that have been anticipated and handled in accordance with company safety procedures and operational standards, including ventilation arrangements and securing work areas," said Corporate Secretary of PT Aneka Tambang Tbk Wisnu Danandi Haryanto, Wednesday, January 14.
He also ensured that this condition did not affect the safety of Antam employees, and all the company's operational activities were under control.
Wisnu added that his party also ensured that there was no explosion as reported in the circulating content, and no Antam employees were trapped in the mine area.
"The Company always carries out business activities by prioritizing occupational safety, risk control, and implementation of good mining practices, and coordinating with relevant authorities and stakeholders to maintain a safe and conducive situation," he said.
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