Pertamina Collects Data On Residents Affected By The Fire At The Balongan Refinery From Neighborhood Management

Dissemination and verification of data on reports of residents affected by the fire incident at Kilang Balongan, Indramayu, West Java. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Pertamina began collecting data on social, environmental, and property losses as part of an effort to accelerate the post-incident handling of the T-301 fuel tank fire at the Balongan Refinery, Indramayu, West Java, Monday, March 29.

As reported by Antara, Saturday, April 3, the Unit Manager for Communication Relation of CSR at Balongan Refinery, Cecep Supriyatna, said the joint team from the Indramayu Regency Government and Pertamina collected data through reports of affected residents to the neigborhood administrators which were collected to the sub-district authorities.

"A joint team has been formed to collect data and verify residents' losses. We will be responsible for the damage caused by the incident", he said.

Data collection activities are carried out simultaneously and parallel in all locations affected by the fire so that the post-incident recovery process can take place quickly and precisely.

In an effort to deal with residents affected by the Balongan fire incident, Pertamina distributed around 10 thousand packages of ready-to-eat food every day to affected residents who were either at home or still in evacuation locations.

Apart from ready-to-eat food, the company also provides logistical assistance in the form of mineral water, milk, biscuits, children's food, groceries, fruits, honey, and vitamins.

Residents who are outside the evacuation sites also receive logistical assistance in the form of daily equipment, light medicines, and cleaning equipment.

Apart from providing logistical assistance, Pertamina also has an adequate medical team complete with doctors, nurses, and ambulances on standby for 24 hours, and is also assisted by a number of volunteers from Bazma, Tagana, the Indonesian Red Cross, and the wives of workers at the Balongan District.

The Balongan refinery fire broke out on Monday, March 29, early morning at 00.45 a.m. local time, which consumed four tanks of fuel and affected five villages including Balongan Village, Sukaraja Village, Rawadalem Village, Sukaurip Village, and Tegalurung Village.

The incident made 912 people have to flee to a safe place, 29 people were lightly injured, and six people were seriously injured.

Pertamina is currently still investigating the causes of the incident and ensuring the re-operation of the Balongan Refinery after the fire fighting.