Head of the West Papua Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Office, Sammy Djunire Saiba, emphasized that the district government should act swiftly to complete all administrative processes related to land clearing.
“We have been coordinating with the district government, especially since land-related administrative matters in West Papua must be managed transparently,” he said in Manokwari, West Papua, on Friday.
He added that the Teluk Bintuni government must also report on the progress or completion of the administrative matters to the ESDM Ministry and West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan.
“It is equally important for the local government to ensure that the presence of the factory does not harm the environment,” he added.
The official expressed the hope that Teluk Bintuni residents will fully support the development of the factory, which is expected to employ locals.
“We also hope the ESDM Ministry will notify us when construction begins,” Saiba said.
He described the factory plan as the central government’s response to the aspirations of the people of Teluk Bintuni, which is known as the country’s natural gas powerhouse.
Blue ammonia derived from natural gas can help cut carbon emissions, advance the energy transition agenda, meet clean energy demands, and increase regional income.
Earlier, on June 11, 2025, ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced that the construction of the blue ammonia factory would begin in 2026. Investment in the project is estimated to reach US$1.2 billion.
He added that the central government will collaborate with the West Papua provincial and Teluk Bintuni district governments to ensure the inclusion of local entrepreneurs in the project.
“The governor and the district head will recommend local Papuan businesspeople who are professional and meet the required criteria. This is a major investment,” the minister said during a visit to Teluk Bintuni.
Related news: W Papua blue ammonia factory project to start in 2026: minister
Translator: Fransiskus S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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