8-8-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesia’s prominent state energy company, PT Pertamina, announced on Tuesday its decisive move to establish a cutting-edge fuel storage facility in the northern precincts of Jakarta. This decision comes in the wake of a devastating fire that erupted earlier this year at a terminal, wreaking havoc and claiming lives, while its fierce flames extended into a densely inhabited residential enclave.
The grim incident occurred at Pertamina’s aged Plumpang fuel terminal, which has been a fixture in Indonesia’s energy landscape for years. In the aftermath of the March conflagration, which tragically resulted in the loss of at least 33 lives according to local media sources, Pertamina has been under mounting pressure to embark on a comprehensive modernisation effort and ultimately relocate the terminal.
Elaborating on this strategic leap forward, spokesperson Aryomekka Firdaus divulged that the fresh facility would fall under the jurisdiction of Pertamina International Shipping, the conglomerate’s maritime logistics arm. Notably, the inaugural phase of this ambitious undertaking is poised to attract an investment of approximately $559 million. This significant injection of capital underscores Pertamina’s unwavering commitment to enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
The prospective site for this pioneering initiative holds significance not only for its strategic positioning but also for its expansive dimensions. Spanning across an impressive 64 hectares (equivalent to 158.15 acres), the facility will find its home in the Kalibaru precinct of North Jakarta. The state-of-the-art compound is slated to accommodate an impressive storage capacity of up to 6 million barrels, as detailed in an official communication from Pertamina.
Diversification and adaptability are key tenets of this forward-looking project. The upcoming terminal is poised to serve as a versatile hub capable of housing an array of fuel types. Pertamina’s comprehensive plan envisions the storage of gasoline, biodiesel, and liquefied petroleum gas. Additionally, the facility is primed to handle more intricate substances such as liquefied natural gas, crude palm oil, and an assortment of petrochemical products. The inclusion of hydrogen fuel in this comprehensive roster underlines Pertamina’s commitment to exploring sustainable energy options.
When quizzed about the future of the Plumpang operation in light of these developments, Pertamina’s spokesperson Fadjar Djoko Santoso provided valuable insight. Under the current blueprint, the nascent facility is poised to complement the existing Plumpang setup.
