TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Oil and Gas Upstream Special Taskforce (SKK Migas) regrets the protest against the drilling plan of PT Lapindo Brantas in Tanggulangin, Sidoarjo.

"Public’s knowledge about this is very common, the drilling is in Tanggulangin but the protesters are the people of Jakarta," said Pulic Relation Head of SKK Migas Elan Biantoro, Monday, January 11, 2016.

Elan said, SKK Migas has approved the drilling plan since PT Lapindo has passed all the procedures. Moreover, Lapindo still has right to do so until 2020.

The activity need to be done in order to press the cost of drilling company for the rig has been built; this will damage the company if the drilling is stopped.

Elan said, Lapindo has actually informed the local people regarding the drilling and they accept it well. He even reassures that the issues on blockage done by the local people, and police mobilization to intimidate the people are not true.

However, the issue has getting bigger and became national issue so the temporary stop is needed while the socialization to the people and delivering more information about this are being conducted.

The drilling on the well of Tanggulangin 6 and 10 will be done at 1,200 meters deep while the old well was at 1,700-2,500 meters deep with the gap between the old and the new well is 4km. This will not affect the zone on the old well, however the issue on the public is different, Elan said.

AMIRULLAH