Chemical Plant Explosion at PT Merak Chemicals in Cilegon: Staff Sent Home

A blast occurred at PT Merak Chemicals Indonesia in Cilegon, Banten, on Monday (25 May). The plant management took emergency measures by sending all staff home. The explosion, which happened around 12:30 WIB, caused panic after a white plume was observed rising into the air. As part of standard safety procedures, the company immediately evacuated the plant area. Regarding the viral social media visuals of the white plume, the company clarified that it originated from a steam turbine and was confirmed to be water vapour, not a leak of Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA). Dimas explained that PTA has a powdery physical characteristic which would leave white stains if dispersed into the environment. However, the company acknowledged complaints from residents about a pungent smell following the blast. “We will investigate the complaints about the pungent smell further. As a preventive measure, we have distributed masks through local RT and RW leaders,” he added. By Monday night, PT Merak Chemicals Indonesia had deployed ambulances at the scene and coordinated with Krakatau Medika Hospital for emergency medical treatment for residents affected by the incident. Internal investigations are ongoing. Management has apologised for the inconvenience and panic caused, with the primary focus now on restoring operational stability and mitigating environmental impacts on the local community.