REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BALIKPAPAN -- Preparation to remove broken oil pipeline owned by PT Pertamina at Balikpapan Bay, East Kalimantan has been in the final stage. Pertamina and the police have monitored the previous steps.

Borneo Region Manager Communication and CSR, Yudi Nugraha said special team to lift broken oil pipeline has been prepared. Assessment Team has been formed to check conditions and recommendations related to broken oil pipeline and pipelines in other areas that might be affected.

The results of the Assessment Team recommended the cutting point of the pipe and the removal technique. There are three parts or joint pipes (1 joint equals to 12 meters) to be lifted.

The pipeline cut would be done by eight divers who have received permission from the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, KSOP, and the Regional Police.

Hopefully the process will run smoothly and police can immediately check the cause of incident, said Yudi on Thursday (April 19).

Also read: Jonan awaits investigation results of Balikpapan oil spill

Broken oil pipeline had caused oil spill at Balikpapan bay. The oil spill affected two areas in East Kalimantan province, namely Balikpapan and Penajam Pasir Utara. Five people and a dolphin (Orcaella Brevirostris) reported died due to the incident.

The incident allegedly happened due to external factors. Police were still conducting investigation and reconstruction. Pertamina's 20 "diameter pipeline with a corrosive prevention concrete lining layer at a depth of 22 meters in Balikpapan Bay has attracted up to 120 meters from the initial location and got broken.

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