TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Kardaya Warnika, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) faction member and former member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives said that the Masela Block should be built onshore to increase the multiplier effect for local residents. "If built on the sea, it would be impossible for people to build boarding houses or shops. I prefer [Masela Block to be managed] onshore," said Kardaya on Tuesday, January 12, 2016.
According to Kardaya, the government should take people's welfare into conideration before making a decision on Masela Block. By managing the block onshore, Kardaya explained that the government can encourage the establishment of new businesses in the area.
Kardaya also regretted the fact that thegovernment has not made a decision although discussions about the Masela Block had been going on for a long time. "It shouldn't have taken this long," Kardaya said.
Similar argument was also made by gas and mineral policy analyst Yusri Usman, who said that onshore management of the Masela Block would bring more benefits for the people. "There will be new jobs and the economy will grow," Yusri said.
MAWARDAH NUR HANIFIYANI