Dieng PLTP Accident: PT Geo Dipa Energi Is Responsible, Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources Conducts Investigation

A police line is installed at the work accident site at PAD 28 PT Geo Dipa Energi Pawuhan Village, Dieng plateau area, Batur, Banjarnegara, Central Java Sunday (13/3/2022). (Photo: ANTARA FOTO/Anis Efizudin)

JAKARTA - PT Geo Dipa Energi (Persero) has stated that it is ready to take responsibility for the work accident incident that occurred at the Dieng Unit I Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP), Central Java.

The accident occurred due to a relief valve leak that caused one worker to die and six other workers to be rushed to the hospital due to inhaling toxic gas.

"All management and all personnel of Geo Dipa express our condolences for the occurrence of the work accident. We will also be responsible for the accident to all affected victims," said Corporate Secretary of Geo Dipa Energi, Endang Iswandi in a press statement in Jakarta, Sunday. .

Endang explained that the work accident occurred at the existing well of PLTP Dieng Unit I which was being repaired by the contractor's rig. At the time of the incident the relief valve opens automatically below the standard pressure that should be.

One of the workers who was the executor of the workover took the initiative to check the relief valve on the mud pump-1 which opened automatically, then the worker fell unconscious and was evacuated to the Kejajar I Health Center Wonosobo.

The accident occurred on March 12, 2022 at 14:55 WIB at PAD 28 located in Dieng, Batur, Banjarnegara, Central Java.

Endang claimed that the work had been carried out in accordance with applicable work safety and standards, and it was ensured that no people were victims of the incident.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) of Central Java regretted the toxic gas leak incident that occurred at the Dieng PLTP and caused concern for residents living around the power plant site.

Central Java Walhi Regional Council Edo said that the work accident was proof that the company was not ready for the OSH aspects of its workers, including safety responsibilities to local residents.

Currently, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has sent a team to investigate work accidents at the geothermal power plant in Dieng.