September 17, 2025 | 11:32 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono said 30 hectares of rice fields faced crop failures due to Vale Indonesia's oil distribution pipe leak in Lioka Village, Towuti, East Luwu, South Sulawesi.
The leak, which occurred around 20 kilometers from Vale's processing plant, led to the contamination of the surrounding river and the community's paddies. Sudaryono said, "About 30 hectares of rice fields failed to yield a harvest," during a meeting with the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta.
The Gerindra Party politician mentioned that the affected farmers will receive compensation from PT Vale Indonesia due to the failed harvest. "The Ministry of Agriculture will promptly work to ensure the people's losses are handled," he said.
PT Vale Indonesia's Acting Corporate Secretary, Anggun Kara Nataya, previously said the leak, which was suspected to be caused by land movement, has been addressed.
Anggun maintained that Vale has formed an emergency response team to address the leak, and the team has temporarily contained the oil leak. "We conducted oil spreading mitigation by installing containment barriers, including using oil booms and oil traps," she said.
Additionally, PT Vale has been testing the water and soil quality on site. Vale has also coordinated with local authorities such as the Disaster Management Agency, Environmental Office, police, and the Indonesian military to handle the leak in a transparent manner.
"The source of the leak has been successfully identified and contained, and thus far, the entire technical team has been working around the clock to stop the oil flow as the main priority," said Anggun.
The company has also opened a complaint and information center for those affected by the leak. Vale claims responsibility for restoring the environment and addressing any resulting social impacts.
The leak recovery process is carried out gradually, covering ecosystem restoration in affected areas, socio-economic support for the community, and the evaluation and strengthening of pipeline safety systems to prevent recurrence. "All recovery processes will be conducted in close coordination with the East Luwu Government and relevant stakeholders, guided by the principles of transparency and public accountability," she stated.
Local Government Demands Responsibility from PT Vale
Meanwhile, South Sulawesi Governor Sudirman Sulaiman has urged Vale to take responsibility and promptly address the impact of the pipeline leak. The leak has polluted fields, potentially leading to failed harvests.
Sudirman stated that he has coordinated with the East Luwu Regent to address the issue. "I have also instructed the South Sulawesi Energy and Mineral Resources Agency to directly oversee the field and ensure that immediate handling measures are taken to minimize and recover the resulting impact," he said as quoted by Antara on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Furthermore, Sudirman stated that Vale should have high security standards in managing processing facilities, including emergency recovery. He urged the company not to neglect risks and the safety of the community.
Based on initial reports, the pipeline leak originated from the former mine operation water distribution line. The liquid material then seeped and flowed into the surrounding settlements, fields, and parts of the river.
Although there have been no reports of casualties, the surrounding community has expressed concern as the water has already been contaminated, and the fields are at risk of failed harvests.
Editor’s Choice: Mining Giant Vale Confirms Oil Pipeline Leak in Indonesia's South Sulawesi
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Prabowo Labels Arson at Regional Council Building as Treason
15 hari lalu
President Prabowo has ordered all state officials to investigate those responsible for the arson attack on the South Sulawesi DPRD building.
Makassar DPRD Building Burned Amid Protest, Four People Killed
17 hari lalu
Protests by citizens and students in front of the South Sulawesi DPRD office in Makassar led to the burning of the building on Friday.
Mining Giant Vale Confirms Oil Pipeline Leak in Indonesia's South Sulawesi
21 hari lalu
PT Vale Indonesia Tbk. has confirmed an oil pipeline leak in Lioka Village, Towuti, East Luwu, South Sulawesi.
Japan to Release 200,000 Tons of Emergency Rice to Curb Prices
10 Juni 2025
Japan will release 200,000 more metric tons of rice from its emergency stockpiles to address the doubling in prices since last year.
Discover Kalegowa: Slow Travel Destination in South Sulawesi
22 Mei 2025
Kalegowa ranks second among slow travel destinations in Asia in 2025, according to the online travel platform, Agoda.
Vale Indonesia Develops 3 Downstream Projects with Rp146.52tn Investment
29 April 2025
MIND ID together with Vale Indonesia is optimistic about strengthening the multiplier effect on the national economy.
Minister Zulhas: Food Aid Paused During Harvest Season
4 Februari 2025
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulhas assured that social assistance programs will continue despite government budget adjustments.
Prabowo: Harvested Dry Grain Price Should Be Rp6,500 per Kilogram
4 Februari 2025
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is ready to issue a Govt Regulation on the govt purchase price for harvested dry grain at Rp6,500 per kilogram.
Hajj Pilgrims Waiting Period in South Sulawesi Can Reach 48 Years
13 Januari 2025
Ministry of Religious Affairs says South Sulawesi has a waiting period for hajj pilgrims that reached 48 years.
South Sulawesi Floods Affect 55,000 Residents, Landslides in 6 Districts
23 Desember 2024
Based on BNPB data on Monday, the total population affected by the floods was 17,209 households, or 55,662 people.
