The potential gas (deposit) in Natuna Sea needs to be developed in such a way to increase gas supplies, which have continued to decline. The management of the area's potential should be supported by all sides.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chief of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) has urged the government to develop a strategy to exploit the recent discovery of a huge gas deposit in East Natuna field in Natuna waters, Riau Islands.

"The director general of oil and gas at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has dubbed East Natuna as the second life(line) of Indonesia thanks to its gas deposit potential, which is twice as much as the Masela block," LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti said in an official statement released on Thursday.

He said the potential gas deposit must be managed properly, and the government needs to take strategic steps in that direction soon.

"The potential gas (deposit) in Natuna Sea needs to be developed in such a way to increase gas supplies, which have continued to decline. The management of the area's potential should be supported by all sides," he added.

He said Committee II of the DPD will also monitor the development of the East Natuna block.

Data from the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry shows the potential gas deposit in East Natuna may increase the gas resources by almost 20 trillion cubic feet. As of January, 2020, the gas deposits were pegged at 43.6 trillion cubic feet, which would be sufficient to meet demand until 2037.

With the discovery of a potential gas block in East Natuna, the potential gas resources are expected to increase to 62.4 trillion cubic feet, Mattalitti said.

"Natuna still holds promising gas potential. This is a big discovery which must be accompanied by proper development," he added. (INE)


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(EDITED BY INE)

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