Government Reviewing Masela Block Profit Sharing

The government is considering changing the production share of gas or split in the management of the Masela Block. It seems that the plan is to attract investors to replace Royal Dutch Shell (Shell), which plans to sell the 35% participating interest in the Abadi Gas Field. 

Royal Dutch Shell (Shell)

    Referring to the agreement in the head of agreement (HoA) in 2019, the government and lnpex Corporation as the controlling shareholders of the Masela Block agreed to split the gas distribution by 50% (government) and 50% (lnpex and consortium).

Dwi Soetjipto

Head of the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas), Dwi Soetjipto, assessed that at the time of the continuation of the Shell divestment, his party also saw potential or room for split changes. "We also found points or potentials for this economic project to be in a reasonable government split. We will continue to discuss it," Dwi said.

INPEX CORPORATION

However, he is still reluctant to detail the objectives of the split change and the details of the changes being considered, so it is not yet known whether this profit sharing will increase the government's portion or even increase the INPEX portion. Dwi only said that Masela's liquefied natural gas (LNG) product enthusiasts had reached 50%.

"PLN has expressed an interest of at least 2 to 3 million tons per year (MTPA). From abroad, there are Japan, China, and Taiwan," said Dwi.

With regard to Shell's plan to leave, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) noted that 32 companies are interested in replacing Shell.

Investor interest

Acting Director-General of Oil and Gas, Ego Syahrial confirmed that Shell had conducted open data to see the potential development of the Masela Block.

"It's true that Shell is in the process of opening this data. There are 32 candidates who are currently in the process of opening this data," said Ego Syahrial.

the Masela Block

Even the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has approved foreign companies to see the block data. However, the government does not want to disclose the names of 32 companies interested in investing in the Masela Block. One thing is for sure, if Shell does leave, the government insists the Masela Block project will continue.

Besides investors, the Masela project is still hampered by land problems. Maluku Governor Murad Ismail promised to be ready to facilitate the land acquisition. Together with the Tanimbar Islands Regency Government and Southwest Maluku, the land acquisition of the Masela Block will be completed through adat and deliberation processes.

"We will solve the land problem as well as possible since it has been discussed that many people have controlled the land," he said.

Therefore, the Maluku Provincial Government is also waiting for the decision and the readiness of lnpex to acquire some land for LNG development.

"We'll just wait. It is impossible to solve the land problem if there is no encouragement from lnpex," he said.

Dwi Soetjipto added land acquisition will begin if the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been completed.

Kontan, Page-12, Thursday, August 6, 2020

EIA Completion of the Abadi Abadi LNG Project begins

After being stopped due to the approval of the Covid-19 pandemic, the process of discussing the Impact of the Environmental Impact (EIA) of the Abadi LNG Project, the Masela Block will start again in the second semester. Not only that, some foreign gas buyers who are interested in taking liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced by this project.

Dwi Soetjipto

SKK Migas Head Dwi Soetjipto said that Inpex Corporation and Shell continue to work on the Abadi LNG Project. At present, EIA approval for this project has been approved. Needed, Inpex as an operator will continue to be completed by Amdal so other processes can be carried out, including land acquisition.

"Inpex can conduct a survey in the second semester, especially for rainy season data. Then [the process] gives an EIA, then other things can be processed. This is a condition for the investor in the execution of the land, which is the EIA, okay, "he said.

The Abadi LNG project

Related to land acquisition, the Governor of Maluku. Murad Ismail is committed to facilitating it. The Abadi LNG project is a large project that submitted its development plan which was witnessed directly by President Joko Widodo so that the local government will support this project. In addition, this project is also intended for the people of Maluku.

"Since all land permits above 5 hectares are ours, I will help and discuss with the regents of Tanimbar and Southwest Maluku," he said.

He decided, his party would strive so that there were no challenges in the acquisition of this land. For example, it has previously provided 27 hectares of land on Nustual Island as the port side of the Abadi LNG Project. 

    The decision was stipulated in the Maluku Governor's Decree No. 96 of 2020 on the 14th of February 2020. Therefore, Murad asked the contractor not to doubt the tolerance of the local government regarding the Abadi LNG Project. Even if there is compensation for land acquisition, it will facilitate so that the amount is not excessive.

"We support that everywhere, we choose adat and deliberation. We will be picky about this land, "he said.

However, to complete the execution of land acquisition depends on Inpex.

"Procurement of land depends on Inpex wanting to be finished anytime. We just wait. It is impossible to finish if there is no support from Inpex, "he added.

Based on SKK Migas data, as of last March, the work on the Environmental Analysis (Amdal) of the Abadi Project has only reached 43.41% of the target of 47.27%. In addition, the auction process for the work of Front End Engineering Design / FEED onshore liquefied natural gas / LNG refinery facilities, floating production and loading and unloading facilities (floating production, storage, and unloading / FPSO), gas pipelines, and umbilical underwater facilities, risers, and flowline (SURF) is still ongoing.

Aside from land, Dwi admitted, the Covid-19 pandemic also considered the sale of LNG from the Abadi LNG Project. Because, for the project to reach a Final Investment Decree / FID, amounting to 80% of the total LNG production target of 9.5 million tons per year, there must be a buyer. So far, PT PLN (Persero) has approved the purchase of LNG of 2-3 million tons per year and PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) 150 million standard cubic feet per day / MMscfd.

"From abroad, there are Japanese, Chinese, and Taiwanese companies that are interested in buying, we immediately receive support," Dwi said.

It was revealed, his side was still hoping that the Abadi LNG Project FID could be accepted in 2022. Before that, along with LNG marketing, the project design work had to be completed.

"From 2022 to 2027, EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) can continue," he said.

The Abadi Project launches in the second quarter of 2027. The US $ 19.8 billion replacement project undertaken by Inpex Masela Ltd is projected to produce 150 mmscfd of gas piped and in the form of LNG 9.5 million tons per year.

Investor Daily, Page-10, Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Global Oil and Gas Company Tighten the Belt

Concerning a compact global oil and gas company increasing efficiency, matching the weakening world oil prices, oversupply, and weak commodity demand in the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on the official report of ExxonMobil Corporation, the company in the second quarter of 2020 cut capital expenditure to the US $ 5.3 billion, lower the US $ 2 billion for capital expenditure in the first quarter / 2020.

This year ExxonMobil cut investment costs from the US $ 33 billion to the US $ 23 billion in accordance with increased efficiency, lower commodity prices, and faster project rates. Not only that, but savings were also made for the company's operational costs which could be increased by 15% because it was approved by the activities and volume reduction.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has an impact on the company's finances and operations which has led to an increase in the cost of capital and operating cash than agreed," as released by the management.

Not much different, Chevron Corporation also decided to be more efficient in overcoming the condition of the upstream oil and gas industry which has not improved. Chevron Corporation CEO Michael K. Wirth said that in response to the severe upstream oil and gas conditions, his side reduced the capital expenditure budget and cut operational costs this year.

Michael K. Wirth

In the second quarter / 2020, Chevron only realized capital expenditure of the US $ 3 billion or 40% below its quarterly budget. For this year, Chevron revised its capital expenditure to purchase the US $ 14 billion. Meanwhile, operating costs in the II / 2020 quarter were realized at a value of US $ 7.1 billion, an increase of 13% compared to the II / 2020 quarter.

"While there are no signs of improvement in demand and commodity prices at pre-pandemic levels, financial results may continue to be depressed until the first quarter of 2020," he explained.

Related to the efficiency efforts, Teaching Staff of Trisakti University Pri Agung Rakhmanto rate, the efficiency assessment conducted by global oil and gas companies will be increased in upstream oil and gas projects in the country. According to him, the economic level of the project is an important factor for investors to continue the upstream oil and gas project in Indonesia.

Are projects in Indonesia included in the priority rankings of their global portfolio or not? But it should indeed be changed. Because generally, it has been quite a long time, our upstream oil and gas are not very attractive, "he said.

He added, oil and gas companies at the mayor level such as Shell and Chevron will issue investments based on the rankings of global investment portfolio companies in accordance with their competitive level. In addition, the projects approved by the projects undertaken are not included in the company's economic standards or portfolio ratings, so there is a great chance of being accepted.

If our upstream oil and gas projects are less competitive or economically disadvantaged with their projects in other countries, then of course they will eventually withdraw from their projects in Indonesia, "Pri said.

Cameron Van Ast

To note, Shell and Chevron are also known to change their investment portfolios in the oil and gas sector in the world, including for projects in Indonesia. Chevron Asia Pacific External Affairs Advisor Cameron Van Ast said it was giving a signal to release its participation in the IDD project. 

the IDD project Chevron

He revealed the plan had been reviewed since early 2020 and was not related to the acquisition of Noble Energy shares on July 20, 2020.

Dwi Soetjipto

SKK Migas Head Dwi Soetjipto previously revealed that the upstream oil and gas investment trend in the world this year is projected to fall by around 30% to the US $ 228 billion from the initial target in 2020, valued at the US $ 325 billion.

Bisnis Indonesia, Page-4, Wednesday, August 5, 2020

There is Still Hope in Upstream Oil and Gas

Upstream oil and gas investment in Indonesia is believed to be still prospective, despite a number of challenges due to fluctuations in world oil prices and the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, the government has also given the flexibility to investors to choose the form and production sharing contract in oil and gas activities.

The policy is believed to provide legal certainty and increase oil and gas investment in Indonesia. But of course, it must be punctuated by the right strategy and oil and gas investors to survive and get out of the crisis.

Arcandra Tahar

Former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) for the 2014-2019 period Arcandra Tahar said investment in upstream oil and gas was not merely a matter of the political situation in a country. According to him, the majority of investors will enter the oil and gas project which is considered to provide good profits for the company.

"Investment does not recognize citizenship. That is, where there is a profitable investment, investors will enter, "he said.

 

the Masela block

Referring to the news of Shell's departure from the Masela and Chevron Block projects on the Indonesia Deepwater Development (IDD) project, Arcandra said many factors could trigger the decision. Comprehensively the decision could be influenced by the shifting focus of the company relating to economic value. But the withdrawal of two global oil and gas companies from the project in Indonesia cannot be used as a reference that investment conditions in Indonesia are not good.

"Can you see that their assets (Investors) are sold abroad? I think so. What does it mean, if we only look at it from one side, the investment climate might not be okay. "

He considered the mix of business portfolios in oil and gas companies could be one strategy to get out of the crisis. According to him, the weakening of world oil prices and falling demand that occurred some time ago along with the Covid-19 pandemic was one of the extraordinary events.

However, basically the oil and gas industry is a business whose principles always fluctuate, so there should be mitigation to go through difficult times. Was this not prepared in advance by the oil and gas company? I think it's been prepared, "Arcandra said.

Shell

For this reason, the business portfolio mixes between upstream and downstream needs to be balanced considering that there are still oil and gas companies that can get profit, in a state where oil prices are skyrocketing or weakening. According to him, this was also done by large-scale global oil and gas companies such as Shell and Chevron. In addition, the oil and gas companies have begun to apply the trend to anticipate difficult times.

"So a strong company, a balance between upstream and downstream. Even if a medium company has a good strategy, besides having a business in the upstream, they also anticipate it in the downstream, "he explained.

Dwi Soetjipto

SKK Migas Head Dwi Soetjipto projects that oil and gas investment this year will only reach US $ 11.6 billion, down 16% from the target of US $ 13.8 billion. According to him, global upstream oil and gas investment trends this year are also projected to fall by around 30% to the US $ 228 billion from the initial 2020 target of US $ 325 billion.

"So in Indonesia the decline is far better than the global upstream oil and gas trends," he said.

PORTFOLIO CHANGE

Both Shell and Chevron are known to change their investment portfolios in the upstream oil and gas sector in the world, including for projects in Indonesia. Chevron Asia Pacific External Affairs Advisor Cameron Van Ast said it was giving a signal to release its participation in the IDD project. 

He revealed that the plan had been reviewed since the beginning of this year and he dismissed that the decision was related to the acquisition of Chevron in Noble Energy shares on July 20, 2020.

PT. Chevron Pacific Indonesia's

Chevron Pacific Indonesia's Corporate Communication Manager Sonitha Poernomo added that the Phase 2 IDD project could not compete for capital in Chevron's global portfolio. Meanwhile, Shell was quoted from the official website of Shell Global, dividing the oil and gas company's business into the upstream business, integrated gas, renewable energy, and downstream business.

Sonitha Poernomo

In line with Arcandra, Secretary-General of the National Energy Board Djoko Siswanto is optimistic that Indonesia's upstream oil and gas sector is still in good condition and attractive to investors. 

Hilmi Panigoro

    On the other hand, President Director of Medco Energi Hilmi Panigoro revealed that Indonesia's biggest challenge to bringing in investment in the upstream oil and gas sector is legal certainty which is more attractive to investors.

According to Hilmi Panigoro, there are many investors who prefer other countries than Indonesia even though the tax conditions and political conditions are not better. Hilmi said this could happen because the investors considered that they did not have more risks given the clear legal certainty.

"For example, now the government is changing its paradigm, energy is not a source of revenue, then gas prices are lowered, but the contractor's rights must be maintained so that investors believe. So whatever the form of the regime, what is important right now is how this new law can be a guarantee, so the signed agreement must be maintained, "he explained.

Regarding oil and gas production sharing contracts, ESDM Minister Arifin Tasrif issued Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation No. 12 of 2020 concerning the Third Amendment to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation No. 8 of 2017 concerning Gross Split Production Sharing Contracts.

In Article 2 paragraph (2) of the Ministerial Regulation, it is explained the form and cooperation contract can use Gross Split, Cost Recovery, or other cooperation contracts. Arifin also abolished the provisions regarding the management of the Work Area that ended the contract period and was not extended, the government imposed a Gross Split for the next period. In addition, in the case of Work Areas that will expire in the contract period, the government can stipulate all cooperation contracts or Gross Split.

Bisnis Indonesia, Page-10, Monday, August 3, 2020

Masela LNG Project Hampered by Land Problems

The Masela Block liquefied natural gas (LNG) refinery project in the Tanimbar Islands, Maluku, faces a winding road. After Royal Dutch Shell will leave the Masela Block, the problem now arises from the unfinished refinery holding.

Referring to the notes of the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Activities (SKK Migas) until June 2020, the available land is still partial. Even though this project is targeted to operate or onstream by 2027.

    The problem of the Contribution is potentially more complicated. Because reportedly, the Sinar Mas Group is said to have bought a portion of land in the village of Lermatang, South Tanimbar, Tanimbar Islands, Maluku Province. Its location is in the Weminak River area, the border between Lermatang Village and Bomaki Village.

Even though Maluku Governor Murad Ismail in early June this year submitted the Governor's Decree regarding the determination of the allocation of the Masela liquefied natural gas refinery port on Nustual Island, Lermatang Village, South Tanimbar, to the Head of SKK Migas Dwi Soetjipto. In the Maluku Provincial Government Decree, the allocation is 27 hectares (ha). The land in that location is said to have been bought by the Sinar Mas Group.

"I have got a report. But because the large-scale land acquisition is handled by Jakarta, we submit this problem to Jakarta (SKK Migas). " Rinto Pudyantoro, Chief Representative of SKK Migas Papua Maluku.

But Rinto was reluctant to mention on behalf of what company and what price of land purchased by the Sinar Mas Group. Rinto only stated that, in principle, the Masela Blok LNG refinery project was a state project, so the land was bought and acquired on behalf of the Minister of Finance and became the property of the state. Likewise, private property to be purchased.

Gandi Sulistiyanto

The Managing Director of the Sinar Mas Group, Gandi Sulistiyanto, denied that he had bought or even owned land in the area.

"I have checked with the forestry and mining unit, there is no land in the area. Where's the news from? Which regency and province? "He said.

Acting Head of the SKK Migas Program and Communication Division, Susana Kurniasih, said that the Sinar Mas Group did not coordinate with SKK Migas.

"If it is true that Sinar Mas will be active in Lermatang Village, we hope that the activities will not interfere with the Masela project plan," he said.

    Moreover, the Tanimbar District Head, Maluku Governor and the Minister of Environment and Forestry (LHK) have agreed on the needs of the LNG refinery allocation. Head of SKK Migas. Dwi Soetjipto emphasized that the Masela onshore LNG Plant project should not be disrupted. The Central Government and regional governments have committed to that, "he said.

Inpex Corporation

    Regarding the prospective LNG Plant location, the management of Inpex Corporation stated that it always refers to the Decree of the Maluku Governor. The exact location and area of ​​the Abadi LNG refinery will be finalized after the results of the survey and design study have been studied, "said MN Kurniawan. Act Corporate Communication Manager Inpex Masela.

Kontan, Page-1, Monday, July 27, 2020

Upstream Oil and Gas Demands Immediate Incentives

The lively plan to leave global oil and gas companies from Indonesia must receive serious attention. Because, at present the competition in the upstream oil and gas investment portfolio at the regional and global level is getting tougher. Especially in the global pandemic situation that afflicts almost all countries in the world. Conditions that make oil and gas companies really count when investing.

"At that time, global companies will only aim at investment portfolios in countries that are considered truly profitable and occupy their priority scale," said Oil and Gas Observers from Trisakti University, Pri Agung Rakhmanto.

Now, to attract investment in upstream oil and gas, various government incentives need to be prepared. The incentive makes the oil and gas investment climate in Indonesia more attractive. 

Royal Dutch Shell (Shell)

       Just so you know, within this month, there are two global investors who want to leave the area hit by oil and gas in Indonesia. First Royal Dutch Shell (Shell) will sell its 35% stake in the Masela Block.

the Masela Block

The two PT Chevron Pacilik Indonesia (Chevron) are reluctant to continue the Phase II project in the Indonesia Deepwater Development (IDD) Block. Indonesian Petroleum Asociation (IPA) Executive Director, Marjolijn Wajong said oil and gas companies both domestically and globally are considering market conditions and oil and gas commodity prices, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic subsided.

the Indonesia Deepwater Development (IDD) Block

"Most still wait and see to see how things are after the pandemic has subsided," said Marjolijn Wajong.

Chairman of the Association of Oil and Gas Companies (Aspermigas), John S. Karamoy added, the government needs to be introspective with the current condition of oil and gas investment. The withdrawal of some global companies is expected to not interfere with the development of the upstream oil and gas business in Indonesia.

The Acting Head of the SKK Migas Program and Communication Division, Susana Kurniasih, admitted that her office continued to monitor developments in upstream oil and gas investment. Meanwhile, upstream oil and gas incentives are still being discussed together with the Ministry of Finance (MoF). 

    So far, there has been an incentive from SKK Migas in the form of postponement of the Depository Siter Restoration (ASR) deposit. Well, SKK Migas also proposes other stimuli to attract investment.

"We and the Ministry of Finance (Ministry of Finance) are discussing together, but the decision is not at SKK Migas," he said.

He revealed that the stimulus to delay the deposit of ASR was to ensure that the KKKS could continue their operations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kontan, Page-10, Saturday, July 25, 2020

Looking for a Substitute Shell in the Masela Block

The desire of Royal Dutch Shell to flee from the Masela Block was so serious. Research institute Rystad Energy has even released research, Shell is eyeing funds of up to the US $ 2.2 billion from the sale of 35% of participating interest in participating in the Abadi Gas Field.

the Abadi Gas Field

Rystad Energy Readul Islam analyst said, even in good economic conditions, it is very difficult to predict the parties who are interested in buying Shell's participating shares in the Masela Block. 

     From its origin, global oil and gas players are likely to have shopped for current liquefied natural gas (LNG) exposures. He even considered Inpex Corporation could involve the Japanese government and the Japanese consortium to take over Shell's shares.

"But with Shell's value of US $ 2.2 billion, it is difficult to see Inpex, which is financially limited," he said, as quoted by energy voice dot com.

Executive Director of Upstream Consultant, Molyneux Advisors, Simon Molyneux, assessed that the Masela Block project has very high development costs and there are technical challenges that will be faced by potential buyers of Shell participation rights other than companies from Japan, according to him, it is possible that the Indonesian government will open up to investors come from China.

For investors from Japan, chances are, the Mitsubishi Group is also likely to be interested in the Masela Block, given Mitsubishi's lunge in general in Indonesia. Asia Pacific Research Director Wood Mackenzie Andrew Harwood said the plan to release Shell's participation rights in the Masela Block was more complex than the issue that had circulated about Shell's flee in 2019.

It is unlikely for giant oil and gas players to replace Shell in the Masela Block. According to him, there are several national oil and gas companies (NOCs) in the Asian region that have the opportunity to enter the Masela Block. The move is to market LNG to his country.

Rhea Sianipar

Shell Indonesia's Vice President for External Relations Rhea Sianipar was reluctant to answer the amount of the release of participation rights.

Rhea just said, "We cannot provide further comments regarding Shell's portfolio activities. There has been no comment from us," Rhea said.

Acting Corporate Communication Manager of Inpex Masela, Moch N. Kurniawan also declined to comment. But he ensured, his party remained focused on developing the Masela Block Abadi LNG project and was confident that the project would continue.

Nicke Widyawati

What about PT Pertamina (Persero)? When asked whether he was interested in taking Shell's shares in the Masela Block, PT Pertamina's Managing Director Nicke Widyawati only replied that his party was currently looking for opportunities to acquire oil blocks.

 "I am looking for oil, Masela is only gas," said Nicke Widyawati.

Kontan, Page-12, Monday, July 20, 2020

Shell Ensures Downstream Business Continues

Shell Indonesia guarantees that its oil and gas downstream business in Indonesia will remain expansive amid news of the release of the 35% participating interest (PI) of the Shell Group in the Masela Block.

Rhea Sianipar

Shell Indonesia's External Relations Vice President Rhea Sianipar said investment activities in the downstream sector were still being carried out. Even Shell's downstream oil and gas business is very expanding. One example is the development of a Shell lubricant factory in Marunda, North Jakarta.

In this project, Shell is working on increasing the capacity of the lubricant plant. On the other hand, Shell ensures that the gas station business line also continues to be the focus of their business in Indonesia.

"Our retail business has grown to 116 Public Fuel Filling Stations (SPBU), not only reaching big cities, but also small cities in Indonesia," Rhea said.

But She was reluctant to comment on the news of the release of the 35% interest of the Shell Group Interest Participation in the Masela Block.

the Masela Block

"We cannot comment further on Shell's portfolio activities," Rhea said.

While the Inpex Masela Corporate Communication Manager, Moch N. Kumiawan said, currently it is focused on the planned development of the Abadi LNG project, Masela.

"We are confident that this project will continue and we are actively working to implement a development plan (POD) approved by the Indonesian government," he said.

Kontan, Page-10, Monday, July 13, 2020