Tangerang, Banten, May 23 -- Indonesia's Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has ordered the suspension of operations at two iron smelting plants in the Millennium Industrial Area, Tangerang District, Banten Province, following findings of air pollution violations.

"We witnessed firsthand that the smoke emissions are not being properly managed. The fumes are directly released into the air and, theoretically, could spread up to 30 kilometers from the site," Minister Nurofiq stated during an inspection of the smelting facilities on Friday.

Consequently, the ministry has taken firm action by halting all production activities at both facilities.

"This has a serious impact, which is immediately felt by the surrounding communities, ...