House Member: Energy Security a Determining Factor for National Economic Stability

Member of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Cek Endra, supports the government’s move through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to accelerate exploration and development of new oil and gas working areas. This is aimed at strengthening national energy security amidst increasing global geopolitical uncertainty and energy market dynamics. According to Cek Endra, recent international developments highlight the importance for every country to strengthen its domestic energy production capacity. In these conditions, accelerating exploration and development of the upstream oil and gas sector is a strategic step to increase national reserves and production while reducing dependence on foreign energy supplies. “The current global situation teaches us that energy security is a very determining factor for a country’s economic stability. Therefore, the government’s steps to continue accelerating the exploration and development of oil and gas working areas must be supported so that Indonesia is better prepared to face future energy challenges,” said Cek Endra. Cek Endra stated that, as conveyed by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, the government has identified 118 potential new oil and gas block areas as part of a strategy to strengthen the national upstream oil and gas sector. Of that number, contracts for 25 working areas have been signed, 43 working areas are in the joint study stage, and 50 other potential areas are being prepared to be offered through new study and data acquisition activities. According to him, this step demonstrates the government’s commitment to opening up investment opportunities while accelerating the discovery of new oil and gas reserves. “What the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources conveyed shows that the government has a clear roadmap in optimising national oil and gas potential. We in Commission XII of the House of Representatives fully support the acceleration of the development of these 118 potential areas to generate new reserve discoveries, increase national oil and gas production, attract greater investment, and strengthen Indonesia’s energy security and independence,” he said. He assessed that accelerating the development of the upstream oil and gas sector will also provide a multiplier effect for the national and regional economies through increased investment, the development of supporting industries, job creation, and increased state revenue.