Jakarta (1Berita) – Member of Commission VII of the Indonesian Parliament, Adian Napitupulu, urges the prompt fulfillment of compensation for the victims of the explosion at the nickel smelter furnace of PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS) in Morowali, Central Sulawesi.
Adian emphasizes that the promised compensation, a minimum of Rp600 million per person and education support until graduation, should not be delayed or complicated in the disbursement process.
“The promised compensation, at least Rp600 million per person and educational support until graduation, should not be delayed and complicated,” said Adian in a statement on Friday (29/12).
Adian calls for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He urges the involvement of those knowledgeable about the smelter in the investigation process. According to him, this is crucial to ensure that the production process is not disrupted, and workers can operate in a safe working environment.
Adian also requests the company to enhance Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and its control to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“For example, during inspections, cleaning, or repairs of the furnace, a certain radius should be evacuated,” he said.
The explosion at the PT ITSS nickel smelter furnace occurred last Sunday (24/12). The furnace is located in the PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (PT IMIP) in Bahodopi District, Morowali, Central Sulawesi.
The latest report indicates that the incident has claimed 19 lives, including 11 Indonesian migrant workers (TKI) and 8 foreign workers (TKA). Additionally, 29 people sustained severe injuries, and 11 others suffered minor injuries. The handling of the victims is still ongoing, including evacuating those receiving treatment to Makassar and Jakarta.
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, revealed the initial findings that indicate a violation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), which led to the explosion.
The joint investigation team, comprising the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs, the Ministry of Manpower, the Ministry of Industry, the Regional Military Command (Korem), the Regional Police (Polda), the District Military Command (Kodim), and local government officials, has been conducting the investigation since December 25.
For the final conclusion, Luhut has requested the Central Sulawesi Police Chief to complete the investigation. He also urges the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to take strict action against any legal violations identified in the case.
“Based on the initial investigation results, there are indications of actions that violate the SOP established by the company, resulting in the accident and loss of life,” said Luhut in an official statement on Friday (29/12).
