Cement Raw Material Leak Triggers 'Ash Rain' in Kemang

Bogor Regency (ANTARA) - A leak of cement raw materials in the Kemang district, Bogor Regency, West Java, caused an event resembling an ‘ash rain’ that affected dozens of homes in Kampung Jampang Batas RT 001/RW 001, Desa Jampang, on Thursday. Kemang Police Chief AKP Yulita Heriyanti in Bogor said around 24 households were affected as cement raw materials blew about and fouled residents’ homes. “The incident occurred around 09:30 WIB. About 24 households had their homes dirty due to the cement material,” Yulita said. She added that the incident was suspected to have been caused by a leak of cement raw materials at PT Mortar Nasional Indonesia in the area. Police officers together with relevant parties went to the scene to provide initial handling and to take statements from the company. Yulita explained that firefighters also helped clean up cement residue that stuck to roofs and parts of residents’ homes by spraying with water. “At the moment the situation at the scene has gradually stabilised. There are no injuries or loss of life. The company is prepared to take responsibility,” she said. Jampang Village Government also went directly to the scene after receiving reports from residents. Jampang Village Head Wawan Hermawan said his office has instructed village officials together with Bhabinkamtibmas and Babinsa to conduct checks and on-site handling. “We urge prompt cleaning actions and these have already been carried out through the fire department,” said Wawan. He also urged the company to take precautionary steps so that similar incidents do not recur and to provide compensation to affected residents. He added that the local RT chairman is currently compiling a register of residents affected by the cement raw material leak. “According to the company report, they are fully responsible. Tomorrow we plan to hold a meeting with management regarding this disaster,” he added. Meanwhile, Bogor regency Fire and Rescue Department Head Yudi Santosa said his office did not handle the incident directly, but assisted with the cleaning process at the affected site. “Damkar did not handle directly, only helped with cleaning,” said Yudi.