Gas Supply and Production Increases

Increased gas needs and production make exploration of new gas blocks or revitalize old blocks into a necessity.

The IEA PREDICTION is not wrong. However, the prediction was made before the discovery of gas in the Masela Block, Maluku and Makassar Straits, "said the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Ignatius Jonan when he became one of the speakers at 27th World Gas Conference in Washington DC, USA, Wednesday (27/6).

the Masela Block

Jonan said it answered the question of moderator Nobuo Tanaka. Tanaka said based on predicted International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2040, Indonesia became a gas importer.

"Do you agree with that prediction?" Tanaka asked.

For information, Indonesia will get additional gas capacity supply from Makassar Strait of 1,000 mmscfd (million standard cubic feet per day) and from Masela 1,200 mmscfd.

That does not include gas production in Rokan, Riau. Operators in the Masela Block are Inpex and Shell, while the operator in the Makkasar Strait is Chevron. Increased gas demand is partly due to the energy mix program. In his presentation, Jonan revealed that in 2025 the use of gas is targeted to reach 22% and in 2050 by 24%.

Inpex Corporation

The increased need for exploration of new gas blocks or revitalizing old blocks becomes a necessity. Therefore, at the end of his presentation, Jonan hopes the new oil and gas policy will attract more investors. Before becoming a speaker at the World Gas Forum. Jonan used the opportunity to explain the government's policy on oil and gas, among others, to the US Chamber of Commerce and the ASEAN-US Business Council.

"The government treats the equivalent of foreign investors and domestic investors," said Jonan.

Oil and gas investment

Charles Freeman, Senior Vice President for Asia at the US Chamber of Commerce and Industry, asked about the sustainability of investment in the oil and gas sector related to the 2019 election. The same applies to Elizabeth Dugan from the US-ASEAN Business Council. Jonan replied the government guarantee the political year will not hamper investment in the oil and gas sector.

"Therefore, investment in the oil and gas sector is a long-term investment," said Jonan.

Pertamina CEO Nicke Widyawati

One who accompanied the visit of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasius Jonan is Plut Pertamina CEO Nicke Widyawati. After listening to Jonan's exposure, Nicke explained that the biggest gas demand is for power plants and industries. In line with Jonan, Nicke said the increase in production becomes imperative.

"We certainly have to increase production. First by increasing production capacity and second building infrastructure, "She said.

Nicke asserted Pertamina's role in increasing gas production is very important.

"From start up, our gas production will increase as there are several working areas given to Pertamina. This will certainly increase our supply or upstream production capacity. Second, the infrastructure, namely gas pipeline and LNG, that must be built, "said Nicke.

Media Indonesia, Page-13, Friday, June 29, 2018