Jambi (ANTARA News) - Jambi Police and the state-run oil firm PT Pertamina have closed down 25 illegal oil drilling wells in the preserved forest of Taman Hutan Raya (Tahura) in Batanghari District, Jambi.

"The fire that gutted illegal oil wells in Batanghari District recently has indicated that illegal drilling continued unabated in the area. Hence, we follow up with the shutdown of 25 oil wells in the Sultan Thaha Syaifudin forest on Sunday (Feb 17)," Pertamina EP Asset 1 Government and PR Assistant Manager Andrew remarked here on Monday.

The police have worked on cooperation with Pertamina EP and TAC Pertamina-Pusako Betung Muaro Senami Jambi (PBMSJ) to close down the wells.

"We close down the wells by inserting a sucker rod into the wells and cement, so that it could not be re-opened by irresponsible persons," Andrew revealed.

The police have also seized some evidence, including a motor engine, mini rig, tubing, pulley block, and other equipment for conducting illegal oil drilling.

Andrew affirmed that in addition to closing down the wells, the company was optimistic that the authority would take legal measures against the investor, distributor, and the fence of illegal oil production.

Reporting by Nanang Mairiadi, Sri Haryati

(S022/INE)

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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