Systemic Analysis and Violation of the Professional Code of Ethics of Engineers: A Case Study of the PT ITSS Smelter Furnace Explosion Tragedy in Morowali
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51601/ijse.v6i2.558Abstract
Indonesia's nickel processing industry plays a strategic role in the global economy, yet fatal occupational safety incidents continue to plague the sector. This study aims to examine in-depth allegations of ethical violations in the PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS) smelter furnace explosion tragedy in Morowali on December 24, 2023. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach, analyzing secondary data through the lens of the Indonesian Engineers Association (PII) Code of Ethics and the Swiss Cheese Model accident investigation theory. The analysis reveals serious violations of the Catur Karsa principles, particularly the obligation to prioritize public safety. These failures are systemic, involving negligence in risk management, oversight of repair procedures (hot work), and the dominance of production interests over safety. This study recommends reforming the occupational safety and health culture by strengthening the authority of professional engineers and enforcing strict ethical sanctions.
Downloads
References
[1]. BBC News Indonesia. (2023, December 27). Morowali smelter furnace explosion: Death toll rises to 19, Ministry of Manpower finds indications of occupational health and safety violations.https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/articles/c0kjg31n5y5o
[2]. Hardjono, H., & Setyawan, A. (2023). Implementation of Occupational Safety and Health Management System (SMK3) to Prevent Accidents in Heavy Industry. Journal of Industrial Engineering, 25(1), 45-56.https://doi.org/10.22219/jt.v25i1.12345
[3]. Hopkins, A. (2022). Organizational culture and safety: A critical review. Safety Science, 148, 105650.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2022.105650
[4]. Kompas.id. (2024, January 15). Investigation into the Morowali Tragedy: The State Must Not Lose to Corporations.https://www.kompas.id/baca/opini/2024/01/15/investigasi-tragedi-morowali-negara-tak-boleh-kalah-oleh-korporasi
[5]. Leveson, N. (2020). Applying systems thinking to accident analysis: The STAMP model. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, 67, 104260.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlp.2020.104260
[6]. Martin, M. W., & Schinzinger, R. (2010). Ethics in engineering (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
[7]. Indonesian Engineers Association (PII). (2011). Indonesian Engineers Code of Ethics: Catur Karsa and Sapta Dharma. PII.
[8]. Reason, J. (2021). Human error, safety, and resilience: A new perspective. Journal of Safety Research, 78, 117-124.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2021.06.002
[9]. Rhamdhani, MA, & Jokilaakso, A. (2021). Hazards and safety in non-ferrous pyrometallurgy processes: A review. Minerals Engineering, 168, 106922.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2021.106922
[10]. Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 1 of 1970 concerning Occupational Safety. State Gazette of the Republic of Indonesia 1970, Number 1.
[11]. Van de Poel, I., & Royakkers, L. (2021). The moral responsibility of engineers in preventing accidents. Journal of Engineering Ethics, 27(4), 567-589.https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-021-00321-5.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Taufiqurrahman MG, Eka Daryanto, Syafiatun Siregar

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

















