KLH Halts Illegal Aluminium Smelting Operation in Tangerang

The Ministry of Environment (KLH) has taken firm action to halt the illegal aluminium smelting activities of CV TL in Badakanom Village, Tangerang Regency, Banten, following public complaints.

Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), Moh Jumhur Hidayat, confirmed on Friday that he had ordered the Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement to stop the operation after residents reported on social media that the burning of aluminium foil waste was causing air pollution and health problems.

“This aluminium smelting activity has been operating since 2024. Based on our inspection, the company does not possess the required environmental approval or business permits as mandated by the laws and regulations,” said Minister Jumhur.

The supervisory team also discovered that similar activities had previously been conducted in Bunder Village, Cikupa District, Tangerang Regency. That location was sealed by the Directorate of Complaints and Supervision (PPLH) in September 2024. However, the operator subsequently resumed smelting activities at a new site in Sindang Jaya District.

“Open burning and aluminium smelting carried out without permits and in disregard of environmental protection requirements constitute a serious violation that directly impacts environmental quality and public health. The Ministry of Environment will take firm action against any business operator who ignores the provisions of the law. There is no compromise for business practices that sacrifice public safety and environmental sustainability,” Jumhur stated.

The open burning practice has the potential to produce emissions such as fine particles, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as dioxins and furans, which are hazardous to health and the environment. In addition to polluting the air, the ash and residue from the burning may also contain heavy metals that can contaminate soil, groundwater, and surface water.

These findings further strengthen the indication of violations against environmental protection and management regulations. As a follow-up, the team from the Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement has halted the activity by installing a cessation notice board and a PPLH line. The KLH/BPLH will proceed with the legal enforcement process in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations.