Semarang (ANTARA) - A joint team of emergency services successfully extinguished the fire at the illegal oil well in Gendono Hamlet, Gandu Village, Bogorejo Sub-district, Blora District, Central Java, on Saturday evening.
A member of BPBD’s Rapid Response Team (TRC), Agung Triyono, stated that the extinguishing process was prolonged due to persistent flames fueled by high gas pressure.“Thank God, the fire was successfully extinguished at around 6:35 p.m. local time on Saturday. We are grateful to all parties involved,” he said.
The fire was put out using dozens of water tankers and specialized equipment provided by Pertamina. The site was then sealed with fire-retardant materials to prevent reignition.
The blaze had previously claimed four lives, injured several residents, and forced evacuations amid fears it would spread to nearby homes.
The incident began on Sunday afternoon (August 17) and was only brought under control after six days of intensive joint efforts by the Blora Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Fire Department, Pertamina, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and local volunteers.
Police have questioned at least 18 witnesses in connection with the incident, which has drawn significant public attention.
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Blora District Police in Central Java have pledged decisive action against illegal oil wells following a deadly fire at a resident-operated site in Bogorejo Subdistrict on Sunday.
“We’ve spoken with the district head and coordinated with the provincial police. We will intensify enforcement against these unauthorized wells,” Blora Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Wawan Andi Susanto said on Monday.
Blora District Head Arief Rohman expressed deep regret over the tragedy, which occurred just ahead of the planned legalization of resident-operated oil wells under Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Regulation No. 14 of 2025.
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He emphasized that the explosion should serve as a wake-up call for communities to prioritize safety and comply with regulations.
“The land may belong to residents, but the well itself is illegal. Operators must meet the required criteria. The site was located behind residential homes, so safety and security must be taken seriously,” Rohman said.
He urged residents interested in establishing oil wells to refrain from doing so without proper authorization.
“Apply for a permit first. Once approved, you can operate legally. This is essential for safety and regulatory compliance,” he added.
According to a Blora Police spokesperson, the fire broke out around 12:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, triggered by a blowout at the illegal well.
The blaze forced 50 families to evacuate to safer areas or stay with relatives.
