Thefts in Tempino-Plaju pipeline decline

By Godang Sitompul

Intensified efforts to safeguard the Tempino-Plaju crude pipeline since a deadly incident early in October have so far managed to reduce illegal tapping and eventually cut losses.

PT Pertamina EP recorded that so far this month, losses because of illegal tapping only averaged about 6 percent of the distributed crude, far lower than the double-digit losses in the previous months.

"Thank God, both frequency and volume of illegal tapping have significantly declined since the incident. Losses averaged 6 percent," Director of Operational Control Bagus Sudaryanto told petromindo.com.

Crude oil distribution at the pipeline was disrupted on October 3 by fire during an illegal tapping activity, killing five people.

The company and relevant authorities have beefed up security ever since.

Editing by Dadan Wijaksana