Smelter Audit Mandatory to Check Downstreaming Projects Condition

Mulyanto, a member of the House of Representatives Commission VII, has called upon the audit teams from the Manpower Ministry and the Industry Ministry to disclose the results of the assessment regarding the feasibility of PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS) smelter, which recently experienced a devastating explosion leading to casualties. He emphasizes the necessity for a simultaneous examination process by the Police and relevant Ministries to ascertain the causes behind the incident that claimed the lives of 21 workers and left 30 injured.

The Prosperous Justice Party politician urged the government to make an official report concerning the operational feasibility of the ITSS smelter. Should it be found that the smelter facilities fail to meet established standards, he asserts that the government must bravely revoke the operational permit of the Chinese-based company. "The government needs to audit the technology and smelter systems to ascertain their reliability in ensuring workplace safety and environmental protection," he stated on Jan 4.

Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, the Industry Minister, affirmed plans to impose sanctions for governance violations in the ITSS smelter project operating within the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) in Central Sulawesi. He clarified that sanctions would be commensurate with the level of infractions. If criminal violations are found, legal enforcement agencies will handle the matter. In cases related to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) aspects, the imposition of penalties falls under the jurisdiction of the Manpower Ministry.