Coastal abrasion threatens Pertamina?s pipeline network

Abrasion at the northern coast of West Java has been so serious that it has threatened the operation of the state owned oil and gas company Pertamina?s fuel and gas pipeline network, Kompas reported on Friday.

Sri Kustini, the spokesman for Pertamina?s upstream operation in Cirebon, West Java, said most of the pipelines used to distribute crude, fuel and gas installed in the northern coast had been in serious condition due to the abrasion.

"In the past the pipes were installed under the ground, but now due to the abrasion, most of them are hanging on," she said.

Pictures taken by her office clearly shows that about 100 meter-long pipeline has been hanging on between 50 to 80 centimeters from the ground, while their location is only about 100 metes from the sea.

In order to reduce the impact of the abrasion, Pertamina has built concrete wall in the coastal area. In the long term, the company plans to relocate the pipeline. (*)