Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Vale Indonesia CEO Bernardus Irmanto suspects last month’s oil pipeline leak in Luwu Timur, South Sulawesi, was triggered by soil shifts following a recent earthquake in Poso, Central Sulawesi.

“The incident on 23 August 2025 happened a week after the major quake in Poso on 17 August 2025. We strongly suspect land movement affected the buried pipeline,” he told lawmakers during a hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Monday (29/9/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

Vale has launched a full investigation, with expert panels examining the cause. The company pledged to work closely with local authorities and communities to mitigate impacts. 

“If compensation is required, Vale Indonesia will take full responsibility for the losses,” Irmanto added.

The leak spread into residential areas, rice fields, and parts of a river. The Agriculture Ministry confirmed around 30 hectares of farmland in Towuti were damaged, leaving farmers unable to harvest. Emergency containment has been deployed to prevent further contamination.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)