Ash Envelopes Residents' Homes in Bogor, Alleged Cement Plant Leak

A video circulating on social media shows ash enveloping a number of residents’ homes in Jampang Village, Kemang District, Bogor, West Java, reportedly from a cement plant leak. The ash dust appears to blanket trees and residential areas. The incident is said to have occurred twice; this time it was more severe. Residents fear it could cause respiratory illnesses due to the dust.

When contacted for confirmation, Jampang Village head Wawan confirmed the incident. He said a meeting with the plant management would be arranged to discuss the matter. “Tomorrow we plan to hold a meeting with the management regarding this disaster,” he said. Wawan said he had asked RT and local dusun officials to check the site and called for immediate cleaning. “I want cleaning actions to be carried out immediately; this is currently being done through the Fire Department (Damkar), and we are urging the operators to prevent recurrence,” he added. He also said the local government has requested compensation for affected residents. An inventory of those affected has been carried out. “Secondly, for the community to be compensated for the incident; RTs are currently inventorying the affected residents. And, according to the company, they bear full responsibility,” he said.