Chemical plant explosion in Cilegon prompts staff evacuation

Cilegon — Management of PT Merak Chemicals Indonesia has sent all staff home as a standard safety measure following an explosion at the chemical plant in Cilegon on Monday around 12:30 PM local time.

Public Relations Officer Dimas Saputra confirmed the incident and stated that worker and community safety is the company’s top priority.

“I have not yet received data on any injuries,” said Dimas. “However, as a safety measure, all employees in the plant area have been sent home.”

Beyond securing staff, Dimas apologised to the public for the panic and inconvenience caused. The company is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Regarding the white plume that rose into the air during the incident, Dimas explained that based on preliminary technical reports, it was confirmed to be steam from a steam turbine.

He denied that the plume was a chemical leak of Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA), noting that PTA is powder-like and would leave white residue if dispersed.

Nevertheless, the company has pledged to investigate further complaints about a pungent smell. As a preventive measure and to demonstrate responsibility to affected residents, it has distributed masks through local RT and RW leaders.

“We will take responsibility for the community. We have also deployed ambulances on-site. If residents experience health concerns, we have coordinated to refer them directly to Krakatau Medika Hospital,” he stated.

Investigations within the plant premises are ongoing, with coordination from Cilegon Police, the Environment Agency (DLH), and local government officials.