JAKARTA, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia announced on Wednesday that the government will accelerate the permitting process for oil and gas production sharing contractors to enhance exploration activities and increase national oil and gas lifting.
Bahlil noted that Indonesia still has significant untapped potential. Of the 128 oil and gas basins across the country, only 20 are currently in production, adding that several working areas with approved development plans have yet to begin operations.
The minister emphasized the importance of maximizing the potential of all existing concessions to boost output. To achieve this, he pledged closer collaboration with contractors to identify solutions for raising production levels, including resolving permit delays and speeding up the overall process.
In addition, he called for stronger community involvement, underlining that local empowerment, guidance, and opportunities are essential to ensuring regional oil and gas projects benefit surrounding communities.
The Indonesian government continues its efforts to increase oil and gas lifting to meet growing energy demand and reduce reliance on imports. ■
