Surabaya, E Java (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received Peter Voser, Royal Dutch Shell Plc CEO, here on Saturday.

Voser, who will soon end his term of office in Indonesia, was accompanied by his chosen successor, Ben van Beurden, and the Shell Indonesias president director Darwin Silalahi, as all met with the president at the Soebijakto building of the Navy Academy in Surabaya.

During the meeting, the Shell CEO expressed his companys commitment to carry out work at the Marsela block, said Energy Minister Jero Wacik, who joined President Yudhoyono.

"Shells initial commitment in the Marsela block is worth US$5 billion, and the companys investment in various fields is expected to increase to US$25 billion," Jero Wacik said, noting that the Dutch company has been operating in Indonesia since 1880.

According to Jero Wacik, Indonesia also asked Shell to help carry out the transfer of technology for renewable energy, as well as assist in developing renewable energy.

The energy minister said that part of the transfer of technology will include developing the conversion of ships from diesel power to gas.

"To convert diesel into gas for thousands of ships will really help Indonesia," the minister noted.

The president also expressed his appreciation to Shell for its contribution.

"I believe that energy security is very important, very significant, so we need to work together for the benefit of both Indonesia and your company," President Yudhoyono told the Shell officials.

Reporting by Muhammad Arief Iskandar
(B003/INE/H-YH)
(EDITED BY INE)
(KR-BSR/H-YH)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2013