According to the Indonesian government, the fire at a nickel smelter on Sulawesi island that killed 21 workers was likely caused by a safety procedure violation. The fire occurred on Dec. 24 at a furnace in a smelter operated by Tsingshan Stainless Steel Indonesia, located in Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), the country’s largest nickel hub.
Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah stated that there was a strong indication of standard procedure violation and negligence in the implementation of safety requirements that allegedly led to the fire incident but did not provide further details about the suspected violations. Central Sulawesi police chief Agus Nugroho announced that the police were investigating the cause of the fire.
Indonesia, the world’s biggest nickel producer, has banned exports of unprocessed nickel ore to boost domestic smelting and processing, but the sector has experienced several fatal incidents in recent years. Luhut Pandjaitan, a senior cabinet minister overseeing the mining industry, urged law enforcement to take firm action to prevent similar incidents from occurring. “We have to show that we do need investment, but they have to comply with regulations in our country. They cannot ignore the rules,” Luhut said.
IMIP spokesperson Dedy Kurniawan stated that the companies within the industrial park comply with government regulations. The safety of workers is paramount, and it is crucial for companies to adhere to safety standards to prevent tragic incidents like the one that occurred at the nickel smelter.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and the authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances and factors that led to the tragic loss of life at the nickel smelter. The government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of workers in the mining and smelting industry and will take appropriate action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
It is essential for companies to prioritize safety and adhere to regulations to prevent accidents and ensure the protection of workers. The Indonesian government will continue to enforce safety standards and regulations to prevent future incidents and protect the workers in the mining and smelting industry.
As the world’s leading producer of nickel, Indonesia plays a crucial role in the global nickel market. It is imperative for the country to maintain safe and efficient operations in the industry to ensure the well-being of workers and the sustainability of the nickel sector.
Efforts are being made to determine the cause of the fire and address any safety procedure violations that may have contributed to the tragic incident. It is essential to hold companies accountable for compliance with safety standards and take measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The Indonesian government is dedicated to ensuring the safety and protection of workers in the mining and smelting industry.
With the ongoing investigation and commitment to enforcing safety regulations, the Indonesian government aims to prevent similar incidents and promote the well-being of workers in the country’s mining and smelting industry.
