East Aceh Regency Government Investigate Cases Of Residents Of Banda Alam Gas Poisoning

Director of Zubir Hospital Mahmud Edy Gunawan (left) visited a gas poisoning patient being treated at Zubir Mahmud Hospital in Idi, East Aceh Regency, Monday (25/9/2023). (ANTARA/Hayaturahmah)

The Aceh Government through the Aceh Environment and Forestry Service (DLHK) is investigating the case of dozens of East Acehnese suspected of being poisoned by gas and had to be rushed to a local hospital.

"We received a report from the East Aceh LHK, and my team has left to join the East Aceh LHK to investigate it," said Head of DLHK Aceh A Hanan as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, September 26.

Previously, dozens of residents of Gampong Panton Rayeuk T, Banda Alam District, East Aceh Regency were rushed to the local Health Center Emergency Room because they were suspected of having gas poisoning, Sunday (25/9). And has been referred to Zubir Mahmud Idi Hospital.

The local community is suspected to have been poisoned due to a gas leak from a company engaged in the oil and gas sector of PT Medco E&P Malaka which operates in the East Aceh region.

A Hanan said that related to this problem, his party had confirmed ESDM and had made a report to Assistant II of the Regional Secretariat of Aceh Province.

"For the possibility of a meeting by inviting the East Aceh LHK, BPMA, ESDM, PT Medco," said A Hanan.

To note, poisoning with the same suspicion is not the first time this mining ring area has occurred. Hundreds of residents also fled due to a foul odor allegedly caused by the washing of gas wells for oil and gas companies in the area.

In this regard, PT Medco E&P Malaka stated that it was following up on reports from residents regarding the alleged smell around the area of operation, causing residents to be poisoned by gas.

VP Relations & Security of PT Medco E&P Malaka Arif Rinaldi said the company moved quickly and coordinated with local health agencies to ensure residents received intensive medical care and treatment.

"Some residents have been allowed to go home. The company has also dispatched a health team, work safety and environmental protection to the scene and provided health care to residents," said Arif Rinaldi.