Pertamina Put Out Fires in Balikpapan Bay

A fire breaks out in Balikpapan Bay has been put out by Pertamina Refinery Unit V on Saturday (31/3). The fire began at 11.00 local time and has been extinguished at 12.00 local time. In coordination with The Balikpapan Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPDP), Chevron, and Pertamina Hulu Mahakam, Pertamina successfully extinguished the fire on a short time and prevent it from spreading out. Pertamina appreciated the support from all parties to handle the fire and urged people not to panic.

The alleged sources and causes of spills and fires are still under investigation. To investigate the sources and causes , Pertamina also sent out the divers in Balikpapan Bay. Currently, Pertamina is focusing on impacts mitigation. In respond to the circulating issues circulating in social media that the fire is Pertamina's attempt to remove oil spills is untrue. This false information has been clarified directly by the account owner.

The operation of Pertamina’s Refinery are not affected by the fire. The Fuel Terminal and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Station in Balikpapan operates normally to distribute fuel for the public. The inspection result of all Pertamina facilities along Balikpapan Bay showed that there are no leakage. Pertamina’s underwater pipeline from Lawe-Lawe Terminal still distributes crude oil to Balikpapan Refinery, and the pipeline location is far enough from the fire.

In addition, the laboratoty test of fuel spill from two different location conducted by Pertamina showed that the fuel is not the product of Balikpapan Refinery. To ensure the safety of the public, Pertamina’s Emergency Response Team is on stand by.