Jakarta – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR), Bahlil Lahadalia, emphasised the importance of maintaining the performance of the Tangguh liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in West Papua and encouraging the acceleration of production from potential oil and gas blocks such as Genting Oil Kasuri.
Bahlil made this statement during a working visit to the Tangguh LNG facility in Bintuni Bay, West Papua, on Wednesday, 11 June. During his visit, Mr Bahlil said that the Tangguh LNG project has a strategic contribution to national energy security.
“Tangguh LNG supplies about a third of the total national gas production. So we must take good care of its lifting so that it does not fall. This is important, especially to face the threat of gas deficit in the next few years,” Bahlil said.
Since the operation of Train 3 commenced in October 2023, the Tangguh LNG plant has increased its production capacity to 11.4 million tonnes of LNG per year, equivalent to approximately 180 standard cargoes. This increase is expected to stabilise domestic and export gas supplies in the medium term.
Not only focusing on Tangguh, Bahlil also highlighted the huge potential of Genting Oil Kasuri, which is targeted to start significant gas production in 2027. Based on the latest data, the project is projected to produce 300 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD).
“Of the five wells that have been opened, four are 100 per cent complete, and one is 30 per cent progress. For camp construction, the progress is around 20 to 22 per cent. It is already underway, and we will guard it so that it is not too late,” Mr Bahlil said.
He also revealed that Genting Oil is building a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility in China. The vessel is projected to be the largest FLNG in Indonesia and the ninth largest in the world.
“We will validate the progress directly at the construction site. This ship will be a game changer for national gas distribution,” he added.
However, not all oil and gas working areas are running smoothly. Bahlil mentioned the obstacles in Pertamina’s Mogoi Working Area (WK), which has not yet been developed due to stagnant cooperation with operator partners.
“WK Mogoi has been stagnant for too long. If the cooperation is not completed, we will revoke and take over. There is a potential of 40 MMSCFD, and we can start production within one year of construction,” he said.
In addition to gas, the government is also targeting an increase in oil production as part of its short-term strategy to strengthen energy security. One of the main projects being prepared is the expansion of oil production to 30,000 barrels per day from the Cepu Block.
“God willing, in 2025 our oil lifting will increase by 30 thousand barrels per day from Cepu. The state budget target for oil and gas lifting in 2025 is optimistic that it can be achieved. President Prabowo will inaugurate this project directly,” said Bahlil. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia visits the Genting Oil Kasuri Gas Field in Teluk Bintuni Regency, Wednesday (11/6) (Source: MEMR)
