BPMA and SKK Migas sign MoU to enable Aceh's participation in offshore oil and gas management

Banda Aceh - The Aceh Oil and Gas Management Agency (BPMA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Special Task Force for Oil and Gas (SKK Migas) regarding a cooperation scheme for BPMA’s involvement in jointly managing offshore work areas beyond 12 to 200 nautical miles within Aceh’s jurisdictional waters.

“Aceh is no longer merely a spectator in the utilisation of oil and gas resources in its waters beyond 12 nautical miles,” said BPMA Head Nasri in Banda Aceh on Sunday.

The MoU was signed during the Indonesia Petroleum Association (IPA) Convention and Exhibition held from 20 to 22 May 2026.

“With this MoU signed, we are optimistic that BPMA’s involvement will ensure regional interests are prioritised while supporting national production targets,” he said.

With the MoU, Nasri added, BPMA has been assigned four strategic roles. First, BPMA has the right to coordinate with stakeholders regarding upstream oil and gas activities conducted by KKKS contractors. Second, it will be involved in public relations activities, and third, assist in facilitating the licensing process within the work area. Fourth, BPMA is entitled to receive copies of the Plan of Development (PoD) or development plans for each work area managed by KKKS in waters beyond 12 nautical miles.

“This collaboration is expected to deliver dual benefits for both the Aceh government and national interests,” he said.

Nasri stressed that this breakthrough paves the way for Aceh’s active participation in managing oil and gas areas previously entirely controlled by the central government.

“BPMA’s involvement will ensure regional interests are safeguarded while supporting national production targets,” he added.

He added that BPMA’s participation is expected to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of monitoring and coordination of upstream oil and gas activities in Aceh’s jurisdictional boundaries.

Furthermore, in terms of optimising production, the collaboration could boost oil and gas output from areas beyond 12 nautical miles, where potential has previously been underutilised.

Additionally, increased production will directly contribute to higher revenue sharing for Aceh in line with regulations, as well as bolstering national energy security.

“Macroscopically, all this supports national targets to maintain energy security by optimising all oil and gas potential within Indonesia’s jurisdiction, including Aceh’s waters,” Nasri concluded.