Jakarta—WALHI Central Sulawesi, in collaboration with Yayasan Tanah Merdeka (YTM), on March 23, has released a new research report titled “Daya Rusak PLTU Captive” or “Captive Coal-Fired Power Plant’s Destructive Power.” The report exposes the environmental and health hazards linked to captive coal-fired power plants (PLTU) operating in the Indonesian Huabao Industrial Park (IHIP) in Morowali, Central Sulawesi.
The report details alarming impacts caused by air and water pollution, exploitation of natural resources, and alleged criminalisation of residents protesting the industrial operations.
IHIP, funded primarily by Chinese investors, operates a 350 MW captive power plant (with plans to expand to 450 MW) fueled by coal to support nickel smelting activities. Despite the Rp 14 trillion investment, the smelters, power plants, and port facilities are dangerously close to residential areas, schools, and public facilities.
The report highlights concerning data from Wosu Health Center, showing a spike in acute respiratory infections — from 735 cases in 2021 to over 1,100 in 2022 and 2023. It also raises concerns over noise pollution, marine contamination, and threats to local fisheries and livelihoods.
WALHI Central Sulawesi calls on and urges the Central Government and the Government of Central Sulawesi to immediately halt the operations of captive coal-fired power plants (PLTU Captive) within the nickel processing industrial zones in Morowali and North Morowali Regencies. WALHI also demands that the Central Sulawesi Government promptly conduct comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of all mining business licenses and nickel processing industry permits in these regions, which are suspected of failing to protect the environment and the well-being of local communities. Furthermore, WALHI insists that the government cease all forms of criminalisation against citizens fighting for their land rights and the right to a healthy environment. (nsh)
Banner photo: Nickel mining in South Sulawesi (Putu Artana/shutterstock.com)
