The Pertamina depot in Plumpang, North Jakarta, experienced a severe fire on Friday, March 3, 2023 evening. The location of the depot which is surrounded by densely populated settlements, even in the buffer zone, makes everything even more complicated and 19 residents are reported to have died. However, the problem is not only fires that result in death. This is not the first time a similar incident has happened to Pertamina’s assets. Apart from that, why are there densely populated settlements in the buffer zone? The history of land disputes around the area is clearly in favor of Pertamina, it is the illegal residents who must be relocated. Unfortunately, on March 7, 2023, Pertamina and the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) decided to give in. The Pertamina depot will be moved to another location within the next two years. This solution, in our opinion, will not solve the problem. Parties who deliberately defy the existing regulations must be held accountable. To subscribe please click here
