PT MCCI States White Smoke After Plant Explosion Is Water Vapour

Management of PT Merak Chemicals Indonesia (MCCI) stated that the white smoke billowing after the plant explosion was water vapour originating from the company’s turbine. “That’s the effect of our steam turbine; the white plume was water. I’m not sure about the strong odour yet; it needs checking,” said MCCI’s Public Relations officer, Dimas Saputro, on Monday (25 May). The company stated that the white smoke, claimed to be water vapour from the turbine, had dissipated within 15-20 minutes due to swift internal handling. “It was indeed water, and it didn’t last long—only about 15-20 minutes. Our product is powdery, but nothing stuck here. Currently under investigation, with the Environmental Department, Police, and TNI present,” he added. He denied the emission was a leak of the company’s chemical product, Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA). He explained that PTA is powdery and would leave white residues on the surrounding environment if dispersed into the air. Nevertheless, the company pledged to further investigate residents’ complaints about the pungent odour. As a preventive measure and to show responsibility to affected residents, the company distributed masks via local RT and RW administrators. “We will take responsibility for the community. Ambulances are on standby at the site. If residents report health issues, we have coordinated to refer them directly to Krakatau Medika Hospital,” he stressed. Investigations within the plant site continue under the supervision and coordination of Cilegon Police Residency (Polres), the Environmental Department (DLH), and local village and district governments.