“Aceh is no longer merely a spectator in the utilization of oil and gas resources in waters beyond 12 nautical miles,” BPMA head Nasri said in Banda Aceh on Sunday.
The MoU was signed during the Indonesia Petroleum Association (IPA) Convention and Exhibition held on May 20-22.
“We are optimistic that BPMA’s involvement will help ensure regional interests are accommodated while supporting national production targets,” Nasri said.
He said the MoU grants BPMA four strategic roles, including coordinating with stakeholders regarding upstream oil and gas activities carried out by cooperation contract contractors (KKKS).
BPMA will also be involved in public communication activities and in facilitating permit issuance processes in the offshore working areas.
Under the agreement, BPMA is also entitled to receive copies of approved Plans of Development (PoD) for working areas managed by KKKS in offshore zones beyond 12 nautical miles.
“We hope this cooperation will bring benefits both to the Aceh administration and national interests,†he said.
Nasri said the agreement opened the way for Aceh to play a more active role in managing offshore oil and gas areas previously handled solely by the central government.
He added that BPMA’s involvement was expected to improve oversight and coordination of upstream oil and gas activities in Aceh’s outer maritime areas.
Increased production is also expected to contribute to higher oil and gas revenue-sharing funds for Aceh in accordance with prevailing regulations, he added.
Nasri said the collaboration was expected to help optimize offshore oil and gas production, strengthen Aceh's regional revenue, and support national energy security.
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Translator: Rahmat Fajri, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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