According to Pertamina in an April 4 statement, a distribution pipeline carrying crude oil from a terminal in Lawe-Lawe, Penajam North Paser to Balikpapan which was installed in 1998 burst, having been displaced by 120 meters from its original position. The leaked pipeline was located at a depth of 25 meters, with a diameter of 20 inches and a thickness of 12 millimeters. Officials claimed that an anchor dropped by of a coal ship flying a Panamianian flag dragged the pipe, although it did not name the ship. Pertamina denied any negligence in the spill, adding that the pipe had been inspected as recently as December 2017.
