Residents urged to stay clear of Cilegon chemical plant explosion site due to acrid smoke

An explosion occurred at a chemical plant in Gerem, Cilegon, Banten, releasing acrid smoke. Authorities evacuated residents and urged the public to stay clear.

Head of Cilegon City Environment Agency (DLH) Sabri stated that officials would evacuate nearby residents and prohibited the public from approaching the PT Merak Chemicals Indonesia (MCCI) plant area.

“BPBD, through the village head, has urged residents to leave the area,” Sabri said on Monday (25 May 2026).

DLH Cilegon teams have visited the site to investigate the explosion. The cause remains unknown.

“Team members have only just arrived; no further updates yet. Information from Mr Faturrohmi, a council member, confirmed the explosion. There are no initial reports as the team has only just arrived,” he added.

The explosion occurred at around 2:30 PM WIB on Monday (25 May). Residents reported hearing the blast and sirens, with white smoke filling the area around the plant.

“I only felt the explosion and heard sirens. It came from PT MCCI, and the smell was like burning tyres around Gerem,” said local resident Faturrohmi.

Faturrohmi’s home is approximately 3 km from the chemical plant. Nearby residents were alarmed by the explosion.

“It was loud; I was at home and the sound was very intense. The plant is about 3 km from my house,” he said.