Cilegon Chemical Plant Explosion Source Identified Amid Pungent Smoke

According to PT MCCI’s statement, Mr. Arif Budiawan said that while the company was operating normally, a loud sound was suddenly heard from the production area,” said Banten Regional Police Public Relations Chief Senior Commissioner Maruli Ahiles Hutapea on Tuesday (26/5/2026).

He explained the explosion occurred on Monday (25/5) around 4:00 PM WIB at PT MCCI’s PTA-1. After hearing a loud explosion from the production area, employees immediately evacuated.

“The early warning system was then automatically activated, prompting the company to immediately order all employees to evacuate as a safety precaution,” he said.

Initial suspicion is that the explosion was triggered by a pipe leak due to extremely high temperature and pressure. The company immediately handled the situation by temporarily halting operations in the affected area and checking the pipeline and reactor installations.

“The leak is suspected to have caused a pressure surge, resulting in a loud explosion and triggering the company’s early warning system,” he said.

Two employees were injured in the explosion and are currently receiving treatment at Krakatau Medika Hospital.

Cilegon Police and Banten Regional Police personnel immediately visited the site to set up police lines, process the crime scene, and collect samples by the Bareskrim Polri Forensic Team. Police also sterilised the chemical plant area.

“Banten Regional Police’s Brimob unit also conducted sterilisation to ensure no radioactive materials were released,” he said.

He stated that by 6:00 PM WIB, the smoke had dissipated. Police urged the public not to be misled by unverified information and to remain vigilant.