Regarding Gas Leakage In Sorik Marapi, Management Responds

JAKARTA - The management of PT Sorik Marapi Geothermal Power (SMGP) as the operator of the Sorik Marapi Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) responded to the well kick incident accompanied by the release of H2S gas during the drilling process for the T-12 geothermal well.

SMGP Head of Corporate Communication, Yani Siskartika reported, as of today, 18 people have been allowed to return home from Panyabungan Hospital, Mandailing Natal, while three other patients with stable conditions are still being treated by the medical team.

Meanwhile, the handling and security of the T-12 well continues to ensure that the well is really in a safe condition and eliminates the potential for a well kick.

"For this reason, SMGP asks for help and support from the local government and the community to give us time to carry out further actions for the safety of the community, workers and the environment," Yani continued to the media, Wednesday 27 April.

For the time being, he said, SMGP stopped drilling and testing of wells. Currently, the team from the Directorate General of EBTKE at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in collaboration with the SMGP team and the North Sumatra Police are conducting an investigation to find the main cause of the well kick.

"SMGP will always prioritize the safety of residents and workers. Regarding the direct impact of the mudflow, SMGP is responsible and continues to take countermeasures by working with the community," said Yani.

In his statement, Yani expressed his gratitude for the support of all parties, including villagers and the government including the police in overcoming the impact of the incident.

SMGP hopes that local residents will remain calm and continue to work together in creating a conducive atmosphere.

"SMGP also regrets the incident of beatings and looting by unscrupulous residents that occurred on April 24, 2022 at our project site which endangered our workers, and had an impact on the established commercial operation schedule. Therefore SMGP condemns all such violent acts and behavior," concluded Yani. .

Previously, PT Sorik Marapi Geothermal Power (SMGP), which is the developer of the Sorik Marapi PLTP project, reported that on April 24, 2022, there was a blowout followed by the release of H2S gas during the drilling of the T-12 geothermal well.

As a result of this incident, it was reported that 19 community members and 2 drilling crews were exposed to H2S gas that came out of wild bursts.