PT Vale’s Recovery Progress in Towuti: From Emergency Response to Structured Solutions

Towuti, September 3, 2025 - Twelve days after the oil pipeline leak incident in Towuti District, recovery efforts have entered a new phase. What began as emergency response measures in the initial days has now evolved into a more structured recovery process, driven by collaboration between the Luwu Timur Regional Government, local communities, and PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale).

A key milestone was marked on September 2, when Luwu Timur Regent H. Irwan Bachri Syam led an investigative meeting at the Regent's Office. During the session, it was agreed that recovery efforts would be divided into three phases-short-term, medium-term, and long-term-based on a damage classification map that will guide prioritization. This approach provides clearer direction for affected communities and ensures transparency in every step of the process.

"PT Vale is ready and willing to take responsibility. We are committed to following through on the recommendations, feedback, and agreements from this meeting. We must ensure that affected communities receive concrete solutions tailored to their needs," emphasized Regent Irwan.

On the ground, progress is becoming increasingly visible. Cleanup efforts in six affected villages-Lioka, Langkea Raya, Baruga, Wawondula, Matompi, and Timampu-have shown tangible results. Rivers previously covered in oil residue are gradually clearing, agricultural land is being rehabilitated, and fishponds owned by residents have been included in the recovery plan. Hundreds of local residents, PT Vale employees, and government personnel are working daily to ensure that both environmental and social aspects of recovery are addressed.

Wendi, a PT Vale employee who has been on-site since day one, described the improvements he has witnessed firsthand. "Last night I was on duty, and the water is noticeably clearer. There's only a thin layer of residue left, which we continue to clean according to procedure," he explained.

Local residents are also seeing changes. Arifin, a fisherman from Timampu Village, shared, "Thanks to PT Vale and the team's efforts, there's no visible oil layer on Lake Towuti anymore. You can only feel a slight film when you touch the water."

For PT Vale, this progress reflects the strength of collaboration with local authorities and communities. Endra Kusuma, Head of External Relations at PT Vale, reaffirmed the company's commitment to following government directives. "The damage classification and mapping approach led by the Regent is a strategic step to ensure recovery is swift, measurable, and transparent. Our commitment is to deliver solutions that not only address urgent needs but also ensure long-term, equitable recovery for the people of Towuti," he stated.

Next steps will focus on continued investigation, remediation of contaminated soil, installation of information boards at affected sites, and daily recovery progress reports monitored directly by the Luwu Timur Environmental Agency.

Day 11 of the Towuti recovery marks a critical transition-from emergency response to a more systematic recovery effort. With strong leadership from the regional government, active community involvement, and PT Vale's support, the recovery process is being shaped not only to meet immediate needs but also to provide long-term certainty and resilience for affected residents.