BPH Migas: Baubau Fuel Terminal Suitable as Model for Fuel Distribution
Baubau, Southeast Sulawesi (ANTARA) - The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) has stated that the Baubau Fuel Terminal is suitable to serve as a pilot project for fuel distribution to strengthen energy supplies in the archipelago and central and eastern Indonesia.
“We agree that (Fuel Terminal Baubau) should serve as a model and be developed for other regions in eastern Indonesia to ensure that the security of supply to the community is truly maintained and runs smoothly,” said the Head of BPH Migas, Wahyudi Anas, in Baubau, Southeast Sulawesi, on Thursday.
According to him, the Baubau Fuel Terminal is capable of supporting the smooth supply of energy in the Sulawesi archipelago and boosting supply resilience in central and eastern Indonesia.
Wahyudi, alongside the Director General of Oil and Gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Laode Sulaeman, conducted a management walkthrough via a site visit to observe the role of the Baubau Fuel Terminal in supporting fuel distribution.
Wahyudi stated that the Baubau Fuel Terminal plays a vital role in maintaining the smooth distribution of fuel, particularly for Sulawesi, and supports the energy needs of other regions in central Indonesia.
He noted that the Baubau Fuel Terminal also plays a role in supporting fuel distribution to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), as the facility is a key component in meeting the energy requirements of other regions.
He explained that many vessels berth at the Baubauan Fuel Terminal, allowing fuel loading and unloading activities to support the needs of the community, especially for regional distribution within Sulawesi.
He assessed that the reliability of fuel supply and distribution to communities in the archipelago, including the frontier, outermost, and remote (3T) areas of the small islands of Sulawesi, is well-maintained.
Furthermore, Wahyudi said the presence of the Baubau Fuel Terminal supports the equitable provision of fuel across all Indonesian regions, covering not only large islands but also small islands.
The Corporate Marketing Director of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Alimuddin Bas, expressed appreciation for the government’s support, particularly from the Ministry of ESDM and BPH Migas, in strengthening the distribution of subsidised fuel.
Alimuddin stated that the support from the Director General of Oil and Gas at the Ministry of ESDM, Laode Sulaeman—who also serves as a Commissioner of Pertamina Holding—and the Head of BPH Migas as a regulator is a crucial part of ensuring smooth fuel distribution throughout Indonesia.
He noted that Pertamina Patra Niaga is ready to serve fuel distribution across the country, including through the Baubau Fuel Terminal, which plays an important role in serving key points in central Indonesia.
He ensured that the reliability of the Baubau Fuel Terminal will continue to be strengthened to support fuel distribution with sufficient quantities, adequate capacity, and measurable service quality for the community.
Alimuddin expressed hope that the government could provide regulatory support to strengthen the reliability of fuel supplies in eastern Indonesia, allowing Pertamina to perform its services optimally in the future.
He added that the presence of government officials during the visit also provided an opportunity to identify various areas where Pertamina needs to improve, particularly regarding service and fuel distribution operations.
Although the specific stock levels or fuel storage capacity at the Baubau Fuel Terminal were not mentioned, the reliability of the facility remains a priority to ensure smooth energy distribution to support community activities.