Indonesia: government closes aluminum smelting facility over air pollution

Indonesia’s Environment Ministry has temporarily shut down an aluminum smelting facility in West Java over serious air pollution violations. The facility is operated by Mandiri Pratama Intilogam in East Cikarang, Bekasi Regency. During a recent inspection, Ministry officials found that the structure was operating 10 smelting furnaces without an emissions control system and used waste lubricating oil as fuel, which produces hazardous emissions dangerous to human health. Due to these factors, the facility has significantly contributed to deteriorating air quality in surrounding communities.
Rizal Irawan, the Environment Ministry’s Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement, said that the temporary closure of the facility is a strong message to businesses ignoring their obligation to control air pollution. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurrofiq also emphasised that industries must take full responsibility for their environmental impact, improving their environmental management systems and complying with existing regulations. The Minister added that administrative sanctions, as well as criminal charges, will be imposed on those who continue to breach environmental laws.