Banten Police and Forensics Lab Investigate Blast at PT MCCI Cilegon

The Banten Regional Police (Polda) and Bareskrim Polri’s Forensic Laboratory (Puslabfor) are continuing their investigation and crime scene examination following the blast at PT Merak Chemical Indonesia (MCCI) in Cilegon.

Banten Police Public Relations Chief Commissioner Maruli Ahiles Hutapea stated: “Polda Banten and Puslabfor Bareskrim Polri are still conducting crime scene examination and evidence collection for laboratory testing to determine the exact cause of the incident.”

He explained that police are interviewing witnesses, including victims, local residents, and company representatives, to complete the investigation.

The blast triggered the plant’s Early Warning System, prompting immediate evacuation of all employees as a safety precaution.

“Initial suspicion is that the incident occurred due to a pipe leak caused by extremely high temperatures. This leak is believed to have caused a pressure surge, resulting in a loud explosion,” he added.

Following the incident, MCCI immediately halted operations in the affected area and conducted technical checks on the pipeline and reactor systems. Unfortunately, two employees were injured.

For security, Cilegon Police and Banten Police have cordoned off the area. Banten Police’s Brimob unit has been deployed to sterilise the site and ensure no radioactive materials were released. The situation has stabilised, with smoke dissipating by 18:00 WIB on the day of the incident.

Hutapea urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.