TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-PT Pertamina has expressed its interest to participate in the development of Masela Block in Maluku. The interest has been responded by the government, according to Pertamina’s President Director Dwi Soetjipto.
“Indeed, we have submitted our proposal. And I think [it] has been discussed by the government. We have been given the access to study the data,” Dwi said during a press conference at Pertamina Building, Central Jakarta, April 4, 2016.
He even said that Pertamina has established communication with Inpex Corporation, holder of Masela Block exploration rights, about the issue. According to him, the discussion was made before President Joko Widodo’s involvement in the development of the project.
Earlier, Dwi said, Pertamina wanted 25 percent of Masela shares. The fund, he said, could be obtained from loans of up to 60 percent of total cost.
In early March 2016, Jokowi decided that Masela Block will be built onshore, in tune with the suggestion from Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Resources Rizal Ramli.
Dwi admitted that his office is ready to adhere to the President’s decision in relation to the matter. “It’s been decided, we will proceed accordingly,” he said.
EGI ADYATAMA