To Anticipate Acute Respiratory Infections, Residents Around Batang Coal-Fired Power Plant Undergo Health Checks

At least 300 residents living in the vicinity of the Batang Steam Power Plant (PLTU Batang) in Central Java were health checked by the local Health Office. The health screening, conducted as a mitigation measure and to ensure the health of communities in the villages closest to the plant, was part of the CSR programme’s health pillar and ran for three days. The checks were concentrated in three villages around the Batang plant, namely Ponowareng, Ujungnegoro, and Karanggeneng in Batang Regency.

Ida Susilaksmi, Head of the Batang Regency Health Office, explained that the screenings this time focused on early detection of health problems, particularly respiratory diseases such as Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI). ‘The main focus of this health screening is early detection of potential health issues, especially ARI. Residents were also given education on clean and healthy living as a preventive measure,’ she said on Wednesday (20 May 2026).

In addition to respiratory disorders, the health team also found a number of non-communicable disease complaints among residents, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. ‘People sometimes do not realise there are health issues until they feel symptoms like high blood pressure or high blood sugar,’ Ida said.

Ida admitted that for ARI-related concerns, they had not yet received a comprehensive report from the screening as the details are still being analysed in depth. ‘What is clear is that, in addition to general examinations, our officers also brought mobile X-ray facilities for lung and chest examinations,’ she asserted.

HEALTH STATUS OF THE COMMUNITY

Aryamir Sulasmoro, General Manager for Stakeholder Relations at PT Bhimasena Power Indonesia (BPI), the company operating the Batang Power Plant, added that the company wants to ensure the health of residents during the plant’s operation. ‘Our aim is to determine the health level of the community, especially those around our operational activities. We hope that if diseases or health complaints are identified, we can assist with their management in the future,’ Aryamir said.

According to Aryamir, the programme represents the first comprehensive health screening conducted by the company in three nearby villages. The results will be evaluated with the Batang Health Office to determine next steps. ‘This is indeed the first time we have carried this out. God willing, we will review it again and our hope is that this activity does not stop here,’ he said. (E-2)