Demonstrating Responsibility: PT Vale Strengthens Recovery Measures Following Oil Pipeline Leak in Towuti

Towuti, October 2, 2025 - As a sustainable nickel mining company and a member of Mining Industry Indonesia (MIND ID), PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale) reaffirms its commitment to addressing the recent oil pipeline leak incident with responsible, transparent, and equitable solutions. In collaboration with the East Luwu Regency Government, PT Vale held a Symbolic Handover Ceremony for Impact Mitigation Funds for affected communities at the Towuti District Office Hall on Thursday (October 2, 2025).

The handover was officiated by East Luwu Regent, Irwan Bachri Syam, accompanied by PT Vale's Chief Operations and Infrastructure Officer (COIO), Abu Ashar, and presented to six community representatives from Lioka and Timampu villages. This ceremony marks a continuation of recovery efforts initiated immediately following the incident on August 23, 2025.

In his remarks, Regent Irwan emphasized that the compensation was provided after a thorough process of identification, field verification, and impact classification, conducted jointly by the local government, technical agencies, and independent experts. "Today's recipients have undergone a complete verification process. Our goal is to finalize all compensation within this month to prevent misinformation. We are committed to ensuring that every affected resident receives their rightful compensation based on mutually agreed classifications," he stated.

The compensation scheme was developed using a scientific approach to assess the severity of impact-categorized as low, medium, or high-on rice fields, plantations, livestock, fishponds, and water sources. This ensures a fair, transparent, and accountable process.

Abu Ashar reiterated that compensation is only one aspect of PT Vale's comprehensive recovery efforts. "This symbolic handover is not the conclusion, but rather the beginning of PT Vale's long-term commitment to responsibly address this incident. We are dedicated to implementing recovery measures that are fair, sustainable, and grounded in tangible solutions," he explained.

PT Vale's recovery initiatives include cleaning affected rivers, drainage systems, and agricultural lands; monitoring water and soil quality in collaboration with professional experts; and working closely with the East Luwu Regency Government, the Regent's Task Force, the Environmental Agency (DLH), the Agriculture and Livestock Services, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), the East Luwu Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Towuti District officials, village heads, and community leaders. This cross-sector collaboration accelerates ecosystem restoration in Towuti and strengthens public trust.

Ali Bastian Wualah Bantoto, a farmer from Lioka Village, expressed his appreciation for PT Vale's swift response. "When I reported the impact on my rice field, the company responded immediately with an open discussion. That was a clear demonstration of their responsibility," he said.

Similarly, Aroyos, a cattle farmer from Lioka Village, shared his satisfaction. "One of my cows died due to contaminated river water. My report was promptly addressed and resolved through compensation. I truly appreciate PT Vale's responsive and serious commitment," he stated.

In addition to the symbolic handover, the event also served to reinforce open dialogue between the company, the community, and stakeholders, ensuring an inclusive recovery process.

PT Vale and the East Luwu Regency Government reaffirm their commitment to continue the compensation process in stages, based on field verification, until all affected residents receive their full entitlements.

The community representatives receiving compensation included: Ali Bastian Wualah Bantoto, Farmer from Lioka Village, Alpius Samuda, Farmer from Lioka Village, Aroyos, Cattle Farmer from Lioka Village, Tasdino, Fish Trap Fisherman from Timampu Village, Harmin, Fish Trap Fisherman from Timampu Village.

For further information, please contact:
Vanda Kusumaningrum
+62 811-1701-1857