Purnomo won't attend OPEC talks

Purnomo won't attend OPEC talks

JAKARTA: Indonesia's Mines and Energy Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said he can't attend a meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in Vienna July 31 because of an annual session of the nation's highest legislative body being held early in August.

The MPR, the legislative body, will hold an annual session from Aug. 1-10, and during this period some key ministers and other senior government officials aren't allowed to travel overseas.

Indonesia's Ambassador to Austria will instead represent the country at the OPEC meeting, Purnomo said late on Wednesday.

Purnomo said late last week that Indonesia wants OPEC to maintain its current crude production because the OPEC basket price is still good.

OPEC's current oil production ceiling stands at 25.4 million barrels a day.

Indonesia is OPEC's only Southeast Asian member.-- Dow Jones