House of Representatives: Jumbo Natural Gas Discovery in East Kalimantan a Momentum for Energy Independence
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) for Economy and Finance, Sari Yuliati, views the discovery of a jumbo natural gas reserve at the Geliga-1 Well in the Ganal Block, off the coast of East Kalimantan, as a momentum for national energy independence.
In a written statement received in Jakarta on Monday, Sari stated that the gas reserve with a potential of around 5 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) and 300 million barrels of condensate is one of the largest discoveries in recent decades.
“This is concrete evidence that the government’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s energy independence is beginning to bear fruit,” she said.
According to her, this natural gas discovery demonstrates that the government’s policy direction to accelerate exploration and strengthen oil and gas reserves, particularly by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), is on the right track.
She also appreciated the Ministry of ESDM’s efforts in aligning the development of this jumbo gas with the green energy transition agenda and the net-zero emission target for 2060.
“This alignment is the right step. In this way, Indonesia not only manages gas for short-term needs but also builds a foundation for more sustainable energy in the future,” she stated.
Sari is convinced that the development of the Ganal Block will bring real benefits to the producing region and local communities. Oil and gas revenues must be managed transparently and directed towards improving infrastructure, public services, and the quality of life of the people.
She also supports the synergy between the government and parliament in overseeing so that ESDM policies in the energy sector run on target.
She assessed that with a normative, collaborative approach oriented towards the people, the jumbo gas discovery in the Ganal Block, East Kalimantan, is expected to become a strong foundation for national energy independence and the improvement of the welfare of the Indonesian people.
It is known that the natural gas discovery at the Geliga-1 Well in the Ganal Block, off the coast of East Kalimantan, with a potential of around 5 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) and 300 million barrels of condensate, was announced by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia in a press conference at the Ministry of ESDM office in Jakarta on Monday (20/4).
Bahlil explained that this discovery is located in the Ganal Working Area (WK) operated by the Italian energy company ENI, with an 82 percent ownership stake, while the remaining 18 percent is owned by the Chinese energy company Sinopec.
“In an era where almost the entire world is now safeguarding their reserves, once again we give thanks to God that [this discovery] is a blessing given, and we must truly focus on carrying out the President’s orders to seek new sources of oil,” Bahlil said.