Safety at some Indonesian fertiliser manufacturing plants in spotlight amid audits on vital state facilities

“It depends on the wind direction. If the wind blows west, the smell goes to the other side, but if it blows south, the smell comes to Guntung.”

The firm has acknowledged the smell from its facilities but maintained that the emissions are not at dangerous levels and do not pose a health risk to residents.

The company said it abides by high safety standards and has measures in place in the event of a leakage.

It also said it conducts regular emergency drills to keep first responders alert for any possible incidents.

SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE

Pupuk Kalimantan Timur’s vice president for safety and health David Ronaldo Manik said that the firm involves external parties in its safety protocols, including local representatives and the country’s health and disaster agencies.

“If something happens which has an impact on the community, the communication channels need to be clear. We hope there will not be any miscommunication between what happens in the facility and the information outside,” he said.

Mr David explained that the facility has four types of sirens depending on the nature of the incident. The first alerts residents that there has been a minor incident at the plant, and everyone should remain calm, while the second means the incident is being contained internally and only workers have to be evacuated.

The third siren is a signal that there is a leakage and residents could potentially be exposed to danger and people living nearby must be evacuated. The last type is an indicator that the risk has been contained and residents can return to their homes.

Residents in Guntung also take part in these emergency drills and are taught about the different types of sirens activated.

“If the siren is sounded three times, it means there is danger, and we should evacuate to a shelter which has been provided. If the siren is raised, we should be alert and wait for news from Pupuk Kalimantan Timur so we are informed, Guntung resident Hermanto Tutupoho said.