Hundreds of Victims Receive Compensation After Caustic Soda Liquid Spill in Bandung Barat
CNN Indonesia, Jakarta
Hundreds of victims affected by a caustic soda liquid spill in Cikamuning, Padalarang, Bandung Barat (KBB) finally received compensation on Thursday (2/1), following a pledge by the company involved.
The spill occurred on Tuesday (24/12), affecting numerous vehicles parked along Jalan Raya Purwakarta-Padalarang. Raging floodwaters carrying the hazardous chemical, sodium hydroxide or lye, swept through the area, causing extensive damage to properties and vehicles.
One of the affected individuals, Muhammad Abil (25), expressed his disappointment with the compensation amounting to IDR 300,000. Despite receiving some relief, he felt the offered sum was far from adequate to cover the damages incurred, especially with regards to his motorbike which requires significant repairs, including engine parts and bodywork.
Another victim, Moch Ilham from Cikalongweten, shared a similar sentiment, stating that the compensation offered for his motorbike – which also sustained considerable damage – was considerably lower than the estimated repair costs.
The local police, led by Kanit Gakkum of Sat Lantas Polres Cimahi, Iptu Bayu Subakti, reported that approximately 1,260 vehicles had been affected by the spill, although the exact number of claimants to be compensated was yet to be finalized.
However, Sudarsih, a resident of Jakarta, found her name missing from the list of recipients, despite having registered as a victim during the initial assessment and being assured of compensation. Arriving early in the morning, she was left frustrated and confused as she had been informed earlier that her details were already included in the database.
The company responsible for the spill, CV Yasindo Multi Pratama, maintains that it is focusing on compensating those with minor damages initially, with a standard payment of IDR 300,000 per vehicle. Vehicle owners with more severe damage will be assessed individually to determine the appropriate compensation.
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