Seputarkarawang.com - Karawang, The appearance of a mysterious bubble phenomenon on the sea surface about five miles from Muara Ciparage, Karawang Regency, West Java, sparked allegations of an underwater gas pipe leak after the video went viral on social media. In response to this, PT Pertamina Hulu Energi Offshore North West Java (PHE ONWJ) immediately deployed four ships and monitored air routes to trace the source of the bubble's appearance. A strict search was carried out using three operational fleets and one security ship along the PHE ONWJ facility pipeline, which covers the east side across KLA, KKNA and KKNB, the west side of KLXB, to the X-Ray area. Apart from sea routes, the joint team also used helicopters to carry out air monitoring from the north coast of Karawang to Uniform Station and KLA.Based on the results of initial inspections in the field, the team has not found any bubbles or signs of leaks around the company's operational facilities. The pressure at the Uniform and KLA stations was observed to be in normal conditions without any anomalies or significant decreases, so that production activities and energy supply continued to run normally.
Pertamina Regional Java Communication, Relations & CID Manager, Pinto Budi Bowo Laksono, stated that this comprehensive inspection by sea and air was carried out to ensure the safety of oil and gas facilities. Because the source of the bubbles in the fishermen's recordings is not yet known for certain, the management ensures that follow-up observations will continue intensively.As an anticipatory step, PHE ONWJ is also strengthening coordination with related agencies, regional governments, and fishermen's representatives to immediately report if they again find unusual conditions in Karawang waters. The company promises to provide regular information updates after the follow-up observation process obtains more accurate findings.Until now, it is not certain whether the appearance of the bubbles comes from natural gas seeps, underwater geological activity, or other natural factors. With no evidence of damage to the pipeline yet found, this phenomenon is still suspected and requires in-depth investigation before the exact cause can be concluded.
