South Sumatra Police Illegal Drilling Task Force Unload 95 Illegal Oil Wells In Musi Banyuasin

The South Sumatra Police Illegal Combating Task Force dismantled 95 illegal oil wells in Musi Banyuasin Regency. (ANTARA/HO - South Sumatra Police)

MUSI BANYUASIN - The South Sumatra Police Illegal Combating Task Force dismantled as many as 95 illegal oil wells in Musi Banyuasin Regency. Musi Banyuasin Police Chief AKBP Listiyono Dwi Nugroho said the dozens of illegal oil wells had been dismantled independently by their owners since last Thursday under the supervision of the joint apparatus. However, there are still 27 oil wells whose locations are quite difficult to reach and do not allow for self-dismantling. For security reasons, joint officers demolished the oil well by deploying heavy excavator equipment. "The closure of this well is the last step taken and this control will continue. Previously we had carried out insulation and gave an appeal for self-dismantling," he said in Musi Banyuasin, Antara, Friday, August 2. The demolition was carried out for the safety and security of the community, as well as to protect the area from environmental damage due to these illegal activities. After being dismantled, dozens of illegal wells were completely closed so they could no longer be used. The police chief hopes that after large-scale demolition by this joint team, there will be no more illegal oil drilling activities by the community at that location. "I ask that no more people become victims and damage the environment due to this activity," he said. Previously, the South Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Albertus Rachmad Wibowo ordered his staff who were members of the Illegal Drilling and Illegal Refinery Management Task Force to take firm action against perpetrators of drilling and processing oil without permission in a number of local areas. "Police personnel who are part of the Illegal Drilling and Illegal Refinery Task Force are ordered not to hesitate to take firm action against anyone who commits it because illegal activities have caused environmental damage, many casualties, and state losses," said the Kapolda. He explained that Acting Governor of South Sumatra Elen Setiadi at the end of July 2024 had officially signed a Decree on the Establishment of the Illegal Drilling and Illegal Refinery Task Force in the local province. The Governor's Decree Number 510 of 2024 is the basis for the task force to carry out activities and take action in the field.

Included in the decree, the Governor of South Sumatra as the Head of the Task Force has the responsibility to determine the policy direction for illegal drilling and illegal refinery operations.