Wednesday, 11 November 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - PT Pelindo Multi Terminal (PMT) is strengthening its emergency preparedness at port facilities through an oil spill response exercise at Berth 105 of the Liquid Bulk Terminal at Belawan Port. Held on Thursday, 5 November 2026, the exercise saw a joint response team successfully contain and remove the simulated oil spill in less than 120 minutes, with no injuries reported.
The exercise, entitled Drill Kesiapan Fasilitas Pencegahan dan Penanggulangan Tumpahan Minyak (Oil Spill Prevention and Response Facility Readiness Drill), forms part of the company's efforts to strengthen the implementation of Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) standards across port operations.
Through the exercise, Pelindo Multi Terminal Branch Belawan assessed the readiness of its facilities and response equipment, personnel capabilities, and the effectiveness of coordination between the organisations involved in responding to potential oil spill emergencies in port waters.
The initiative also serves as a preventive measure to ensure that all parties can implement emergency response procedures promptly, systematically and in a coordinated manner. In addition to protecting employees and port users, such preparedness is essential to reducing the risk of environmental pollution arising from vessel and terminal operations.
Pelindo Multi Terminal Branch Belawan conducted the exercise in collaboration with Pelindo Regional 1, the Belawan Harbourmaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), and the Oil Spill Response (OSR) team from PT Lamong Energi Indonesia (LEGI).
The exercise scenario began with a report of an oil spill involving the MT AU ARIES, which was berthed at Berth 105 at approximately 9.00 am Western Indonesian Time. Following the report, the joint response team immediately activated the emergency procedures.
The Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) team, together with LEGI's OSR team, proceeded to the simulated incident location. They deployed Oil Booms, specialised barriers designed to contain oil on the water's surface, positioned response equipment and secured the area surrounding the berth.
The deployment of Oil Booms formed a key part of the exercise. These barriers help prevent oil from spreading across the water and reaching surrounding areas. By containing the spill, response personnel can concentrate their efforts on the affected location while preparing to collect and remove the pollutant.
The scenario reflected a potential emergency that could arise during port operations, particularly at terminals handling liquid cargo. For this reason, personnel must understand communication procedures, the allocation of responsibilities, the proper use of response equipment and the safety requirements that apply throughout an emergency operation.
The drill did more than assess the availability of equipment. It also tested the speed of information delivery, personnel response times, coordination between teams and compliance with emergency response procedures.
According to the exercise scenario, the joint team successfully contained and removed the simulated oil spill in less than 120 minutes. No injuries occurred throughout the exercise.
The result provides an important basis for evaluating the effectiveness of emergency response arrangements at Belawan Port. Through subsequent assessments, the company can review the readiness of its facilities and infrastructure while identifying areas that require further improvement.
However, completing the exercise within the target timeframe does not mean that all potential risks have been eliminated. Personnel readiness, equipment condition, accurate communication and the ability to make decisions under pressure must continue to undergo regular assessment. These measures are essential to ensuring that all parties can respond effectively to an actual incident.
The participation of various authorities and response teams also highlights the importance of cooperation in managing emergencies within port areas. Oil spill response requires coordinated action because an incident can affect not only operational safety but also water quality and the surrounding environment.
Khoiruddin Lubis, Branch Manager of Pelindo Multi Terminal Belawan, said emergency preparedness was an essential part of maintaining safety and ensuring the continuity of port operations.
He explained that providing response facilities and equipment alone was not sufficient. Personnel also needed the appropriate skills and a clear understanding of their respective duties and responsibilities when dealing with emergency situations.
"Through this drill, we want to ensure that every member of personnel understands their roles and responsibilities when dealing with potential emergencies, particularly oil spill incidents. Equipment readiness, the proper implementation of procedures and coordination among all parties must be maintained and continuously evaluated. We hope exercises of this kind will strengthen our collective preparedness while raising awareness of workplace safety throughout the port area," Khoiruddin said in an official statement on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
Khoiruddin emphasised that emergency preparedness must become an integral part of the working culture among all personnel. Regular exercises and evaluations are therefore necessary to ensure that everyone understands the applicable procedures and carries out their duties in accordance with their respective responsibilities.
Through this initiative, Pelindo Multi Terminal continues to promote a stronger HSSE culture across all port activities. The company regards operational safety, environmental protection and human resource preparedness as essential elements in maintaining smooth port operations.
Strengthening emergency preparedness also carries strategic importance for ports, which serve as vital links in logistics networks and international trade. An effective emergency response can help minimise operational disruption while limiting the environmental consequences of potential incidents.
By involving various organisations in the exercise, Pelindo Multi Terminal Branch Belawan aims to ensure that its oil spill response arrangements operate in accordance with established procedures and can address a range of potential risks. The initiative also reflects the company's commitment to creating a safe, orderly and environmentally responsible port environment. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Budi Hermansyah | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
