Chemical Plant in Cilegon Explodes, All Staff Evacuated

PT Merak Chemicals Indonesia has evacuated all staff as a standard safety measure following an explosion at the chemical plant in Cilegon city on Monday, May 25, 2026, around 12:30 WIB. Dimas Saputra, the company’s PR officer, confirmed the incident and stated that the safety of workers and local residents is the company’s top priority.

“Regarding worker safety, I have not received any data on injuries. However, as a safety precaution, all employees in the plant area have been evacuated,” Dimas said.

Besides securing workers, Dimas apologised on behalf of the company for the panic and discomfort caused to the public. The company is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident at the operational site.

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 the company’s Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA). He stated that PTA is powder-like, so if dispersed into the air, it would adhere and leave white stains in the surrounding area.

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

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

As of now, the investigation within the plant area is ongoing, with coordination and oversight from Cilegon Police District, the Environmental Agency (DLH), and local village and district government officials.