Speaking to reporters after attending the Independence Day ceremony at the State Palace here on Wednesday, he said that the target was actually realistic and could also serve as a challenge for BP Migas (Upstream Oil and Gas Executive Agency) to increase oil production.
"Technically, it seems to be hard to meet for BP Migas but that is the challenge," he said.
He said the 950,000 figure was the most realistic target fixed following discussions between the government and the House of Representatives (DPR).
He said he believed the oil lifting figure would only improve in 2014 and could possibly reach 970,000 after the opening of new oil fields.
"We have new fields but it will take time to prepare them. So the 970,000 figure can be achieved but in 2014," he said.
The minister said the government would try to make other breakthroughs so that the oil lifting figure could be increased.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono presented the draft 2012 budget to the parliament on Tuesday.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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