Antam Says No Explosion, No Workers Trapped at West Java Mine

PT Aneka Tambang (Antam), Indonesia’s state-owned mining company, has denied viral reports and videos circulating on social media claiming that an explosion occurred at its Pongkor gold mine in West Java and that hundreds of workers were trapped underground.

The company said the information is false.

Antam Corporate Secretary Wisnu Danandi stated in a written statement on Thursday, January 15, 2026, that there was no explosion at the mine and no workers were trapped. He emphasized that all employees are safe and that mining operations are continuing as usual.

Wisnu explained that the viral video shows routine technical work being carried out underground. He said the situation was handled in accordance with the company’s safety procedures, including controlling ventilation and securing the affected area.

“These measures did not pose any risk to workers, and all operations remain under control,” he said.

He added that the company has coordinated with authorities and relevant stakeholders to ensure safety. Wisnu also urged the public not to spread unverified information and to rely on official sources.

The rumors emerged after a video circulated on social media showing smoke and alleged toxic gas at the Pongkor mine in Bogor Regency, West Java, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Nilus Rahmat, General Manager of Antam’s Pongkor Gold Mining Business Unit, said the smoke appeared at around 12:30 a.m. local time in an underground area at the 700 level. He explained that the smoke originated from burning support wood.

At the time, carbon monoxide levels rose to 1,200 parts per million (ppm), significantly exceeding the safe limit of 25 ppm. All workers in the affected area were immediately evacuated, Nilus said, as quoted by Antara on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

He confirmed that no Antam workers were injured or trapped, contradicting claims circulating on social media. According to Nilus, all employees are safe and mining operations remain under control.

Source : https://en.tempo.co/read/2080649/indonesias-antam-denies-viral-rumors-of-west-java-mine-explosion?tracking_page_direct