“We witnessed firsthand that the smoke emissions are not being properly managed. The fumes are directly released into the air and, theoretically, could spread up to 30 kilometers from the site,” Minister Nurofiq stated during an inspection of the smelting facilities on Friday.
Consequently, the ministry has taken firm action by halting all production activities at both facilities.
“This has a serious impact, which is immediately felt by the surrounding communities, and it also worsens Jakarta’s air quality,” he pointed out.
The case could be taken to court as a criminal environmental offense, carrying a potential sentence of three to five years in prison or financial penalties.
Related news: Jakarta temporarily closes six coal industries, three steel smelters
“We are demanding a full halt to operations until further notice. We will provide guidance to the companies on how to continue their activities while ensuring environmental quality,” he explained.
As such, the ministry has instructed the companies to promptly upgrade their air filtration systems, including improving the smelting furnaces with hoods designed to capture dust and smoke emissions.
However, inspections revealed that airborne emissions were still present in the production area due to malfunctioning hoods that failed to operate correctly and caused direct air pollution.
“Ideally, smoke should not be discharged directly. It must go through a long pipeline system and be filtered through a chimney equipped with filters that are regularly maintained," Nurofiq affirmed.
He highlighted that the ministry’s law enforcement and supervision teams will conduct a thorough investigation as part of the legal action.
Related news: Jakarta: Govt teams to monitor air pollution in industrial areas
Translator: Azmi, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
