TEMPO.CO, Bandung - West Java Deputy Governor Uu Ruzhanul Ulum confirmed that state-owned oil firm Pertamina will pay compensation to residents whose houses were damaged by the massive blaze at the Balongan oil refinery, Indramayu. At least 28 houses and one sub-district office were affected.

“The SOE is ready to compensate for the damaged houses,” said Uu when inspecting the fire site in Balongan Village on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

The cost of medical treatment at the hospital for victims suffering minor and serious injuries would also reportedly be covered by the firm.

The West Java provincial government will hold discussions with the Indramayu Regency Government and Pertamina about the relocation of residents, especially the location security from other potential disasters and the livelihoods of the locals.

Uu clarified that the blaze did not come from the oil refinery but oil tanks so that it is ensured that the fuel supply for the public is sufficient ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The massive blaze that broke out in the early hours of Monday, March 29, at 00:45 local time affected five villages, namely Balongan Village, Sukareja Village, Rawadalem Village, Sukaurip Village, and Tegalurung Village. About 932 residents living within a radius of 300 meters from the site were evacuated. Meanwhile, 29 people were lightly injured, 6 people were severely injured, and 14 people are still being identified.

Read: Fire at Balongan Oil Refinery; Pertamina Losses 400,000 Barrels of Oil

ANTARA