Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – Reported by Antara, The Ministry of Environment (KLH) has officially shut down an aluminum smelter in Cikarang, West Java, due to its failure to manage emissions, which have contributed to air pollution in the Greater Jakarta area.
“This action is a strong response to businesses that neglect their responsibility to control air pollution. KLH will continue to take similar steps in Jabodetabek and beyond,” said Rizal Irawan, KLH Deputy for Law Enforcement, in Jakarta on Sunday.
Irawan explained that the closure followed an inspection by the ministry’s supervisory team, which discovered that PT MPI in East Cikarang, Bekasi District, had failed to properly manage emissions from its 10 active smelting furnaces.
Four of these furnaces used lubricating oil as fuel—a practice that poses a high risk for hazardous emissions.
In addition, the facility’s wet scrubber, a vital air pollution control device, had been out of service for more than four months.
These issues were confirmed by the company’s general manager during the inspection.
As a result, Irawan said untreated emissions were being released directly into the air, significantly worsening local air pollution.
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasized the importance of holding industries accountable for their environmental impact.
“Clean air is a fundamental right. We cannot tolerate companies that risk public health for short-term profit,” Nurofiq stated.
The ministry has called on industries to enhance their environmental management practices and ensure compliance with regulations. It has warned that both administrative and criminal sanctions will be imposed on companies that continue to violate environmental laws. (BL)