Susi Pudjiastuti: Fishermen's Oil Spill Loss still Estimated

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Minister Susi Pudjiastuti says she is yet able to estimate the total loss endured by fishermen and fish farmers from the Pertamina oil spill that temporarily contaminate their area.

Susi explained that the losses felt by locals are still being compiled as Pertamina’s full-on mitigation on the environmental disaster is still ongoing.

“It has yet been estimated since it’s still happening. The oil spill has not stopped so we are unable to conclude the losses,” said the minister at her official government house in Central Jakarta, August 15.

However, Minister Susi Pudjiastuti assures that the ministry has prepared social and environmental recovery programs together with Pertamina in tackling the issue. As of fishermen’s compensation, she maintains that the state-owned energy firm will indeed compensate them based on the prepared calculation scheme.

“Pertamina guarantees to compensate them however the cost might be,” said the minister who promises to constantly monitor this issue.

The oil spill originated from Pertamina Hulu Energi's (PHE) Offshore North West Java’s YYA-1 oil well located at the Offshore North West Java (ONWJ) facility. The firm recorded 66 coastline villages in West Java, Jakarta and Banten have been affected by the oil spill.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA