Nandito Putra, Jakarta – PT Aneka Tambang (Antam), Indonesia's state-owned mining companies, has responded to circulating reports and social media videos claiming an explosion at its Pongkor gold mine in West Java and that hundreds of workers were trapped inside.
The company confirmed that the information is false.
"Information about an explosion and workers being trapped in the mining area is not true," said Antam Secretary Wisnu Danandi in a written statement on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
He then stressed that no explosion occurred and no Antam employees were trapped inside the mine.
"All of our employees are safe, and operational activities are running normally," Wisnu added.
Wisnu explained that the video circulating online shows routine technical handling in the underground mining area.
"The situation has been anticipated and handled in accordance with the company's safety procedures and operational standards. Measures are carried out through ventilation control and securing the work area. This condition does not affect employee safety, and all operational activities are under controlled conditions," he said.
The company, added Wisnu, has coordinated with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that the situation remains safe and conducive.
Wisnu also urged the public not to spread unverified information and to rely on official sources.
The rumors were triggered by a viral video showing smoke with suspected toxic gas at the Pongkor mine in Bogor Regency, West Java, early on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Nilus Rahmat, General Manager of Antam's Gold Mining Business Unit (UBPE) Pongkor, said the smoke appeared around 12:30 AM local time in one of the underground work areas at level 700 and was believed to have come from burning support wood.
"At the time, the carbon monoxide (CO) concentration increased to 1,200 ppm, far above 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 also emphasized that no Antam employees were harmed or trapped inside the mine, contrary to social media claims.
"All Antam employees are safe, and operational activities remain under control," Nilus confirmed.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2080649/indonesias-antam-denies-viral-rumors-of-west-java-mine-explosio