Toxic smoke incident at PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) Pongkor gold mine in Bogor Regency, West Java, on January 13, 2026, sparked rumors of an explosion and hundreds of casualties. Local authorities and company management have debunked these claims, confirming no victims and all workers safely evacuated. The smoke is suspected to stem from burning support wood at mine level 700.
In the early hours of Tuesday, January 13, 2026, around 00:30 WIB, thick smoke containing carbon monoxide (CO) emerged in the Antam-owned Pongkor gold mine area in Bogor Regency. CO levels reached 1,200 ppm, far exceeding the safe limit of 25 ppm, prompting the evacuation of all workers from level 700. General Manager of PT Antam UBPE Pongkor, Nilus Rahmat, explained that the smoke originated from burning support wood, with no official mining activities underway at the time. "No Antam employees were trapped or became victims. Activities in the affected area have been temporarily halted in accordance with safety procedures," Nilus stated during a press conference at Koramil Nanggung on Wednesday.
Rumors of an explosion and 700 fatalities that spread on social media were firmly debunked by Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto. He clarified that the number 700 refers to the mine level, not the number of victims. "The information about hundreds of victims is not true," Rudy said alongside the Local Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda). The local government promptly deployed fire trucks, BPBD, ambulances, and security personnel, though final verification confirmed no casualties among Antam employees.
Bogor Police Chief AKBP Wikha Ardilestanto confirmed there was no explosion, only the emergence of smoke since early that morning. His team deployed 43 personnel for security, but access remained limited due to elevated CO levels. Basarnas, through Preparedness Director Noer Isrodin, reported coordination with Antam and BPBD, ready to assist if needed, though handling was managed internally. Key challenges included thick smoke limiting visibility and the deep location of the fire source. As of now, the exact cause is under investigation, and the situation is reported under control with no loss of life.
