It is the time for us to build national energy sovereignty and independence.Jakarta (ANTARA) - State Owned-Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir has asked state-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina (Persero) to increase its oil and gas production in the Rokan Block, Riau Province, after the management shift from PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia. He also lauded the work of 2,689 Chevron Pacific Indonesia ex-workers who officially joined Pertamina.
"It is the time for us to achieve national energy sovereignty and independence," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
During the first semester of 2021, the average production of the Rokan Block was around 160,500 barrels of oil per day or some 24 percent of national production, as well as 41 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, he explained.
In order to increase production, Pertamina plans to drill 161 new wells in the block and create up to 500 new wells in 2022.
Its work will be supported by 16 drilling rigs, as well as another 29 rigs for work over and well services activities.
Thohir hopes that Pertamina Hulu Rokan, as the supervisor of the working area, can also provide public services through its corporation social responsibility for the welfare of the community, especially to help counter the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nicke Widyawati, President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), said health, safety, security and the environment would be prioritized in the operational management of the block.
"Furthermore, there will be an energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. We have to focus on changing our operational management to be eco-friendly," she added.
The company also aims to integrate its refineries with petrochemicals industries to achieve energy transition for its business sustainability, she further added.
Translator: Sugiharto Purnama, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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