Wait for Government Regulation, Oil and Gas Block Auction Will Be Delayed again

The government for the third time again extended the auction period of oil and gas blocks in the first phase of 2017 until the end of the year. The auction closing was postponed as it is still awaiting the release of the Government Regulation on taxation of oil and gas contracts of gross split scheme to provide investment certainty for investors.

Director General of Oil and Gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ego Syahrial said the actual response of investors to the auction of oil and gas blocks of 2017 period is quite good.

To date, there are 20 tender documents accessed for the supply of 10 conventional oil and gas blocks and two auction documents for five unconventional oil and gas blocks. But the end they (investors) are waiting for the assurance of Government Regulation gross split taxes, need legal rules. So [auction] will be delayed until 31 December, "he said at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (21/11).

He explained that there is no difference in auction deadline for conventional and non-conventional oil and gas blocks, as well as through direct bids and regular auctions. The retrieval of oil and gas blocks auction document is extended to 24 December. Furthermore, the submission limits of tender documents shall be until 31 December 2017.

With this withdrawal, the government has already extended the third auction of the first phase of the 2017 oil and gas block. When it was announced in May, the deadline for an auction of oil and gas blocks of direct bidding schemes was set on July 19. 

      However, the government extended the period for the submission of tender documents to 14 September for the auction of unconventional oil and gas blocks and 18 September for the conventional oil and gas block auction.

As for the regular auction, since the first announced there is no change in the deadline for the submission of documents, ie on 3 October. However, in September, the government again extended the auction of oil and gas blocks.

    The government sets the limit on access of documents at the latest November 20 and the submission of documents on November 27, for both regular and unconventional direct and regular bidding auctions and oil and gas blocks.

The block auctioned, by the government there are 15 oil and gas blocks, 10 conventional oil and gas blocks and five non-conventional oil and gas blocks. A total of 10 blocks of oil and gas have the potential of oil reserves of about 830 million barrels and 22 trillion cubic feet of gas. While oil potential for five non-conventional oil and gas blocks is about 640 million barrels and 17 trillion cubic feet of gas.

For conventional oil and gas block auctioned through direct offer are Andaman I and Iaman Block II offshore Aceh, South Tuna offshore Natuna, Merak Lampung offshore and Banten-Lampung mainland, Pekawai offshore East Kalimantan, West Yamdena offshore and the Maluku mainland, and Kasuri III in West Papua.

While offered with regular auctions namely Block Tongko offshore Natuna, East Tanimbar off the coast of Maluku, and Mamberano on the mainland and off Papua monitor.

Furthermore, three unconventional oil and gas blocks are tendered through direct offerings namely MNK Jambi I in Jambi, MNK II in Jambi and Sumatra, and GMB West Air Komering in South Sumatra. Finally, GMB Raja and GMB Bungamas in South Sumatra are offered through regular auctions.

With the delay of this first phase of auction, then the second phase of the oil and gas block supply will also be postponed. Because the second stage auction will be announced after the first stage auction closed.

"The second-stage auction planned in November, automatically adjusted to mid or late January," he said.

Secretary Board of Director of Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) Ronald Gunawan said the extension of the auction of oil and gas blocks is reasonable. Because the Government Regulation detailing the tax treatment for oil and gas contract scheme gross split has not come out. Meanwhile, all new oil and gas contracts are required to use this scheme.

"So this extension gives an opportunity to investors to get certainty. If the Government Agreement has been approved, we expect investors to be able to evaluate and make business decisions, "he said.

Government Regulation of Gross Split Tax Regarding the progress of Peratruan Government's creation of taxation on gross split contracts, the government is still waiting for permission from the Head of State to issue this regulation. Both ESDM Minister Ignatius Jonan and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani both have applied for this permission to the President. Unfortunately, both have not received an answer.

If it has obtained this permit, it will accelerate the issuance of this tax bribe. The harmonization stage and discussion in the Inter-ministerial Committee (PAK) will be accelerated.

"So the estimated time of December 31 (auction limit) is realistic," he stated.

He said there was no change of content in the Government Regulation of the gross split tax. Earlier, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arcandra Tahar said, this Government Regulation will provide incentives for oil and gas companies. 

     During the exploration period, oil and gas companies will be exempt from UN and Import Duty. Likewise for indirect taxes, oil and gas companies will not be subject to exploration, ie from the approval of the plan of development (POD) to the first oil production.

"After that (from first oil to break even point / BEP), if the economy is not enough, then compensated with split," said

Arcandra.

The economic level of this project is based on the calculations made during the compilation of POD. Not only that, investors will also get the facility of deferring tax loss carry forward 10 years. This is because at the beginning of the oil and gas project, oil and gas companies have not yet earned revenue from the project. Furthermore, all expenses incurred until the first drops of oil are produced will be tax deductions for up to 10 years.

Ronald appreciated the government's continued involvement and incorporated proposals from the IPA on the Government Regulation of the Gross Split Tax. It's just that his party hopes, when the regulation is out, planning implementation of this regualsi can be clarified.

"So the time applied can be more transparent to all parties," he said.

IN INDONESIA

Tunggu Peraturan Pemerintah, Lelang Blok Migas Kembali Ditunda

Pemerintah untuk ketiga kalinya kembali memperpanjang masa lelang blok minyak dan gas bumi tahap pertama 2017 hingga akhir tahun. Penutupan lelang ditunda karena masih menunggu keluarnya Peraturan Pemerintah tentang perpajakan kontrak migas skema gross split untuk memberikan kepastian investasi bagi investor.

Direktur Jenderal Minyak dan Gas Bumi Kementerian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral (ESDM) Ego Syahrial mengatakan, sebenarnya respons investor atas lelang blok migas periode 2017 ini cukup baik.

Hingga saat ini, terdapat 20 dokumen lelang yang diakses untuk penawaran 10 blok migas konvensional dan dua dokumen lelang untuk lima blok migas nonkonvensional. Tetapi ujungnya mereka (investor) menunggu kepastian Peraturan Pemerintah pajak gross split, butuh legal aturannya. Jadi [lelang] kamj tunda sampai 31 Desember,” kata dia dalam jumpa pers di Jakarta, Selasa (21/11).

Dijelaskannya, tidak ada perbedaan batas waktu lelang bagi blok migas konvensional dan nonkonvensional, maupun yang melalui penawaran langsung dan lelang reguler. Pengambilan dokumen lelang blok migas diperpanjang hingga 24 Desember. Selanjutnya batas pemasukan dokumen lelang diberi waktu hingga 31 Desember 2017.

Dengan pengunduran ini, pemerintah sudah kali ketiga memperpanjang masa lelang blok migas tahap pertama 2017. Ketika diumumkan dibuka pada Mei lalu, batas waktu lelang blok migas skema penawaran langsung ditetapkan pada 19 Juli. 

      Namun, kemudian pemerintah memperpanjang masa pemasukkan dokumen lelang menjadi 14 September untuk lelang blok migas nonkonvensional dan 18 September untuk lelang blok migas konvensional. 

Sementara untuk lelang reguler, sejak pertama diumumkan tidak ada perubahan batas waktu pemasukkan dokumen, yakni pada 3 Oktober. Tetapi, pada September lalu, pemerintah kembali memperpanjang masa lelang blok migas. 

     Pemerintah menetapkan batas akses dokumen paling Iambat 20 November dan pemasukkan dokumen pada 27 November, baik bagi lelang penawaran langsung dan reguler maupun blok migas konvensional dan nonkonvensional.

Adapun blok yang dilelang, oleh pemerintah tercatat terdapat 15 blok migas, 10 blok migas konvensional dan lima blok migas non-konvensional. Sebanyak 10 blok migas konvensional ini memiliki potensi cadangan minyak sekitar 830 juta barel dan gas 22 triliun kaki kubik. Sementara potensi minyak untuk lima blok migas nonkonvensional sekitar 640 juta barel dan gas 17 triliun kaki kubik.

Untuk blok migas konvensional yang dilelang melalui penawaran langsung adalah Blok Andaman I dan Andaman II di lepas pantai Aceh, South Tuna di lepas pantai Natuna, Merak Lampung di lepas pantai dan daratan Banten-Lampung, Pekawai dilepas pantai Kalimantan Timur, West Yamdena di lepas pantai dan daratan Maluku, dan Kasuri III di Papua Barat.

Sementara yang ditawarkan dengan lelang reguler yakni Blok Tongko di lepas pantai Natuna, East Tanimbar di lepas pantai Maluku, dan Mamberano di daratan dan lepas pantau Papua.

Selanjutnya, tiga blok migas nonkonvensional dilelang melalui penawaran Iangsung adalah MNK Jambi I di Jambi, MNK II di Jambi dan Sumatera, serta GMB West Air Komering di Sumatera Selatan. Terakhir, GMB Raja dan GMB Bungamas di Sumatera Selatan ditawarkan melalui lelang reguler.

Dengan ditundanya lelang tahap pertama ini, maka penawaran blok migas tahap kedua juga akan ditunda. Pasalnya, lelang tahap kedua akan diumumkan setelah lelang tahap pertama ditutup. 

“Lelang tahap kedua yang rencananya di bulan November, otomatis disesuaikan menjadi pertengahan atau akhir Januari,” tuturnya.

Secretary Board of Director Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) Ronald Gunawan mengungkapkan, perpanjangan lelang blok migas ini wajar dilakukan. Pasalnya, Peraturan Pemerintah yang merinci tentang perlakuan perpajakan untuk kontrak migas skema gross split belum keluar. Sementara, seluruh kontrak migas baru wajib menggunakan skema ini.

“Jadi perpanjangan ini memberi kesempatan ke investor untuk mendapatkan kepastian. Kalau Peratruan Pemerintah sudah disetujui, kami harapkan investor bisa evaluasi dan membuat business decision," ujarnya.

Peratruan Pemerintah Pajak Gross Split Terkait progres pembuatan Peratruan Pemerintah perpajakan kontrak gross split,  pemerintah masih menunggu izin prakarsa penerbitan regulasi ini dari Kepala Negara. Baik Menteri ESDM Ignasius Jonan maupun Menteri Keuangan Sri Mulyani, keduanya telah mengajukan izin ini kepada Presiden. Sayangnya, keduanya belum mendapat jawaban.

Jika sudah memperoleh izin ini, pihaknya akan mempercepat penerbitan beleid pajak ini. Tahap harmonisasi maupun pembahasan dalam Panitia Antar Kementerian (PAK) akan dipercepat. 

“Sehingga perkiraan waktu 31 Desember (batas lelang) adalah realistis,” tegas dia. 

Dikatakannya, tidak ada perubahan isi dalam rancangan Peraturan Pemerintah pajak gross split. Sebelumnya, Wakil Menteri ESDM Arcandra Tahar mengatakan, Peratruan Pemerintah ini akan memberikan insentif bagi perusahaan migas. Selama masa eksplorasi, perusahaan migas akan dibebaskan dari PBB dan Bea Masuk. 

     Demikian juga untuk pajak-pajak tidak langsung, perusahaan migas tidak akan dikenai selama masa eksplorasi, yakni dari persetujuan rencana pengembangan (plan of development/POD) hingga produksi minyak pertama (first oil).

“Setelah itu (dari first oil hingga break even point/BEP), kalau keekonomiannya tidak cukup, maka dikompensasikan dengan split,” tutur

Arcandra. 

Tingkat keekonomian proyek ini berdasarkan hitungan semasa menyusun POD. Tidak hanya itu, investor juga akan memperoleh fasilitas penangguhan pembayaran pajak penghasilan (tax loss carry forward) 10 tahun. 

    Hal ini lantaran pada awal proyek migas, perusahaan migas belum memperoleh pendapatan dari proyek yang dikerjakan. Selanjutnya, seluruh biaya yang dikeluarkan sampai dihasilkan tetes minyak pertama akan menjadi pengurang pajak sampai 10 tahun.

Ronald mengapresiasi pemerintah yang terus melibatkan dan memasukkan usulan dari IPA tentang Peraturan Pemerintah Pajak Gross split. Hanya saja pihaknya berharap, ketika regulasinya sudah keluar, perencanaan implementasi regualsi ini dapat diperjelas.

“Sehingga waktu diaplikasikan bisa lebih transparan ke semua pihak,” tutur dia.

Investor Daily, Page-9, Wednesday, Nov 22, 2017

Republic of Indonesia will not Import LNG

The government is still looking for a formula for declining industrial gas prices.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arcandra Tahar said the Indonesian government will not import LNG, at least until 2019. This, said Arcandra, caused LNG reserves that have not been absorbed still much next year.

This is related to the projection of domestic LNG production in 2019 could reach 250 cargoes. The production will also be supported by several gas projects, such as Indonesia Deepwater Development (IDD) which will operate in 2022 and Masela in 2024.

"This year alone, there are 40 domestic LNG cargoes that do not sell and eventually sold to the spot market.Based on the best estimate of the government, in 2019 may not have been importing LNG, because there is still uncomitted cargo for PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) until 2019 and 2020, "said Arcandra in Jakarta, Tuesday (21/11).

In addition to adequate reserves, Arcandra explained, domestic uptake will also increase if you look at the current industry growth trends. Especially, the promising export demand, Arcandra explained, this would be the uptake of national gas production.

"We also have a gas network of households, gas pipelines, if we see the trend of domestic uptake will continue to increase," said Arcandra.

This growth is also seen from the growth in gas demand which according to Arcandra continues to grow from 2003 to 2016 ago by six percent. Meanwhile, in 2017, domestic demand is 56 percent.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources noted that by 2017 at least domestic gas reserves will be successfully absorbed by exports of both LNG and pipelines by 41 percent. Meanwhile, the industrial sector absorbed 23.53 percent, as well as the domestic fertilizer industry absorbed 11.15 percent.

Even so, it plans to reset the national gas balance to map national gas needs and reserves. This will be related to the possibility of Indonesia one day experienced a gas reserve deficit.

Arcandra said the gas balance that is currently being recalculated is targeted to be completed later this year. It is also to see how big uncommited cargo LNG that can not be absorbed by PLN and other industries.

Regarding the price of gas, Arcandra did not dismiss if the issue is still a hot talk among the industry. Currently, Arcandra said, the government is still looking for a formula to produce gas prices that can be accepted by the downstream industry, but not deadly upstream oil and gas industry.

Arcandra said one of the things currently undertaken by the ESDM Ministry is to dismantle the gas price structure. If the current price of gas is still around 11 US dollars per million metric british thermal unit (MMBTU) is admitted Aracandra much complained by the industry.

However, according to Arcandra, by asking for gas prices in the number 3 dollars per MMBTU, it will potentially harm the upstream oil and gas industry.

Earlier, Director of Upstream Chemical Industry Ministry of Industry Muhammad Khayam said three industrial sectors were waiting for the decline in gas prices, as proposed by the Ministry of Industry. Three sectors, among others, the steel industry, petrochemical industry, and fertilizer industry.

"We are waiting for the latest EMR Ministerial Regulation to enable 78 companies to participate in the gas price reduction," said Director of Upstream Chemical Industry Ministry of Industry Muhammad Khayam in Jakarta.

Of the 86 companies submitted by the Ministry of Industry, only eight companies are getting discounted gas price pursuant to Regulation of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources No. 40 of 2016 on Gas Prices for Certain Industries. The eight companies are PT Kaltim Parna Industri, PT Kaltim Methanol Industries, PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur, PT Pupuk Kujang Cikampek, PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja Palembang, PT Pupuk Iskandar Muda, PT Petrokimia Gresik and PT Krakatau Steel.

IN INDONESIA

Rl tidak Akan lmpor LNG

Pemerintah masih mencari formula penurunan harga gas industri.

Wakil Menteri Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral Arcandra Tahar mengatakan, Pemerintah Indonesia tidak akan melakukan impor LNG, paling tidak, hingga 2019 mendatang. Hal ini, kata Arcandra, disebabkan cadangan LNG yang belum terserap masih banyak pada tahun depan.

Hal ini terkait proyeksi produksi LNG dalam negeri pada 2019 bisa mencapai 250 kargo. Produksi ini juga nantinya didukung beberapa proyek gas, seperti Indonesia Deepwater Development (IDD) yang akan beroperasi 2022 dan Masela pada 2024.

"Tahun ini saja, ada 40 kargo LNG dalam negeri yang tidak laku dan akhirnya dijual ke pasar spot. Berdasarkan perkiraan terbaik pemerintah, pada 2019 mungkin saja belum mengimpor LNG. Ini karena masih ada uncomitted cargo untuk PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) sampai 2019 dan 2020," ujar Arcandra di Jakarta, Selasa (21/11).

Selain cadangan yang mencukupi, Arcandra menjelaskan, serapan domestik juga akan meningkat jika melihat tren pertumbuhan industri saat ini. Terutama, permintaan ekspor yang masih menjanjikan, Arcandra menjelaskan, hal ini akan menjadi serapan dari produksi gas nasional.

"Kita juga ada jaringan gas rumah tangga, gas pipa, jika kita lihat trennya serapan domestik akan terus meningkat," ujar Arcandra.

Pertumbuhan ini juga dilihat dari pertumbuhan kebutuhan gas yang menurut Arcandra terus tumbuh sejak 2003 hingga 2016 lalu sebesar enam persen. Sedangkan, pada 2017 ini kebutuhan domestik sebesar 56 persen.

Kementerian ESDM mencatat, pada 2017 setidaknya cadangan gas dalam negeri berhasil diserap oleh ekspor baik LNG maupun gas pipa sebesar 41 persen. Sedangkan, sektor industri menyerap 23,53 persen, begitu juga dengan industri pupuk yang menyerap gas dalam negeri sebesar 11,15 persen.

Meski begitu, pihaknya berencana melakukan atur ulang neraca gas nasional untuk memetakan kebutuhan dan cadangan gas nasional. Hal ini nantinya berkaitan dengan kemungkinan Indonesia suatu saat mengalami defisit cadangan gas.

Arcandra mengatakan, neraca gas yang saat ini sedang dihitung ulang tersebut ditargetkan bisa selesai akhir tahun ini. Hal ini juga untuk melihat seberapa besar uncommited cargo LNG yang tidak bisa diserap oleh PLN dan industri lainnya.

Terkait harga gas, Arcandra tidak menampik jika persoalan itu masih menjadi perbicangan hangat di kalangan industri. Saat ini, kata Arcandra, pemerintah masih mencari formula agar bisa memproduksi harga gas yang bisa diterima oleh industri hilir, tapi tidak mematikan industri hulu migas.

Arcandra mengatakan, salah satu yang saat ini dikerjakan oleh Kementerian ESDM adalah membongkar struktur harga gas. Jika saat ini harga gas masih berkisar 11 dolar AS per million metric british termal unit (MMBTU) memang diakui Aracandra banyak dikeluhkan oleh industri.

Akan tetapi, menurut Arcandra, dengan meminta harga gas di angka 3 dolar per MMBTU, hal tersebut akan berpotensi merugikan industri hulu migas.

Sebelumnya, Direktur Industri Kimia Hulu Kementerian Perindustrian Muhammad Khayam mengatakan, tiga sektor industri menunggu penurunan harga gas, seperti yang diajukan Kementerian Perindustrian. Tiga sektor itu, antara lain, industri baja, industri petrokimia, dan industri pupuk.

"Kami sedang menunggu Peraturan Menteri ESDM terbaru agar 78 perusahaan itu bisa ikut mendapatkan penurunan harga gas," kata Direktur Industri Kimia Hulu Kementerian Perindustrian Muhammad Khayam di Jakarta.

Dari 86 perusahaan yang diajukan Kementerian Perindustrian, hanya delapan perusahaan yang mendapatkan potongan harga gas berdasarkan Peraturan Menteri ESDM Nomor 40 Tahun 2016 tentang Harga Gas Bumi untuk Industri Tertentu. Delapan perusahaan tersebut adalah PT Kaltim Parna Industri, PT Kaltim Methanol Industri, PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur, PT Pupuk Kujang Cikampek, PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja Palembang, PT Pupuk Iskandar Muda, PT Petrokimia Gresik, dan PT Krakatau Steel.

Republika, Page-13, Wednesday, Nov 22, 2017

Indonesia does not import gas until 2019

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arcandra Tahar ensures Indonesia will not import gas until 2019.

Speaking at the Gas-LNG Infrastructure discussion: Transport & Logistics Forum in Jakarta, Arcandra said Indonesia still has uncommitted gas reserves in the next two years or until 2019.

"We have uncommited gas cargoes since 2017 and until 2019 still exist. Government estimates to date, we do not require gas imports until 2019, because we have uncommited gas cargoes for PLN. When the Masela Block starts, we also have uncommitted cargo even more, "he said.

Based on the Arcandra count, there are about 40 uncommitted gas cargoes by 2017. Even so, he admits of 40 uncommitted gas cargoes it has already sold to other buyers. Arcandra recognizes the growth of the gas industry, especially export demand and demand. gas pipelines, liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and promising power supply will drive increased domestic gas uptake.

Domestic gas demand growth continues to increase from 2003 to 2016, an average of 9.3% per year. In 2017 up to the first semester, the share of gas for domestic rose to 60.4%

Currently the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is looking for the right formulation in an effort to reduce the price of gas, so that no effects harm the other side. With an industrial gas price of US $ 11 per mmbtu, many industries complain that it is considered unsuitable for the economy. Arcandra also confirmed that complaints from the industry have been heard and are currently in the process of studying the formula.

IN INDONESIA

lndonesia tidak Impor Gas hingga 2019

Wakil Menteri Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral (ESDM) Arcandra Tahar memastikan Indonesia tldak akan mengimpor gas hingga 2019.

Saat berbicara dalam diskusi Gas-LNG Infrastructure: Transport & Logistics Forum di Jakarta, Arcandra mengatakan Indonesia masih banyak cadangan gas yang belum terserap (uncommitted) dalam dua tahun mendatang atau hingga 2019.

“Kita memiliki uncommited kargo gas sejak 2017 dan hingga 2019 masih ada. Estimasi pemerintah sampai saat ini, kita tidak memerlukan impor gas hingga 2019, karena kita punya uncommited kargo gas untuk PLN. Ketika Blok Masela mulai, kita juga punya uncommitted kargo lebih banyak lagi,” ujarnya. 

Berdasarkan hitungan Arcandra, terdapat sekitar 40 uncommitted kargo gas pada 2017. Meskipun begitu, ia mengakui dari 40 uncommitted kargo gas itu sudah terjual ke pembeli lain. 

   Arcandra mengakui pertumbuhan industri gas, terlebih permintaan ekspor dan kebutuhan. pipa gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), dan suplai listrik yang sedang menjanjikan akan mendorong peningkatan serapan gas domestik.

Pertumbuhan kebutuhan gas domestik terus mengalami peningkatan sejak 2003 hingga 2016, yakni rata-rata 9,3% per tahun. Pada 2017 hingga semester pertama, porsi gas untuk domestik naik menjadi 60,4%

Saat ini Kementerian ESDM sedang mencari formulasi yang tepat dalam upaya menurunkan harga gas, agar tidak ada efek yang merugikan pihak lain. Dengan harga gas lndustri sebesar US$ 11 per mmbtu, banyak industri yang mengeluh karena dianggap tidak sesuai tarif keekonomian. Arcandra juga menegaskan bahwa keluhan dari industri sudah didengar dan saat ini masih tahap pengkajian formula.

Media Indonesia, Page-17, Wednesday, Nov 22, 2017

Integrated Team Close 20 Illegal oil wells in Musi Banyuasin

The Integrated Team established by South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin to socialize and take over 17 oil wells of PT Pertamina EP Asset 1 Field Ramba in Mangunjaya, Babat Toman Sub-District, Musi Banyuasin Regency (Muba), successfully closed and cemented 20 wells on the first day of two days the schedule given, namely Tuesday (21/11) and Wednesday (22/11).

According to a press release Tuesday (21/11), Adjunct Senior Commissioner of Police Rahmat Hakim as Chief of Team of Takeover and Closing of Integrated Team of Bentuk Gubernur who is also Chief of Muba Resort Police, said that 17 wells are delayed from total 104 wells. While the three wells cemented are old wells that were unloaded again by illegal miners.

"If there are people who reopen wells that have been cemented, we will immediately arrest and process," said Rahmat while leading cementing by Integrated Team in BabatToman, Mangunjaya, Tuesday (21/11).

The curbing of oil wells being hijacked by illegal miners in Mangunjaya was assisted by 466 Muba Police personnel, Muba Kodim, Civil Service Police Unit and State Attorney Office and Pertamina EP Asset 1 Field Ramba representative.

Twenty well cemented wells consisted of eight wells cemented by Team One consisting of wells MJ 01, MJ 04, MJ 65, MJ 58, MJ 34, MJ 72, MJ 73, and MJ 35.

Team Two successfully cemented six wells, namely MJ 21, MJ 13, MJ 78, MJ 55, MJ 60, and MJ71. The remaining six wells cemented by Team Three consist of MJ 75, MJ 69, MJ 100, MJ 76, MJ 36, and MJ44.

Muba Police Chief said the closure of oil wells in Pertamina EP Asset 1 Field Ramba working area in accordance with the Decree of South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin No 713 / KPTS / DESDM / 2017 on the Establishment of Integrated Team in the Framework of Socialization and Takeover of 17 Oil Wells Pertamina EP Asset 1 Field Ramba in Mangun Jaya.

The Chairman of the Integrated Team is the Head of South Sumatera ESDM Department Robert Heri. The closure of the illegal well is also an instruction of President Joko Widodo that until the end of 2017 Indonesia must be free from illegal drilling activities (zero illegal drilling).

Therefore, according to Rahmat, the task of the Integrated Team is to guard the cementing activities that have been carried out must continue to be guarded. Thus no longer re-open the well that has been taken over it.

After closing activities, the Integrated Team will monitor the location of the well done by the team. Rahmat also appreciates the support made by all team members so that the activities can be done well and run smoothly.

"This is not separated from the cooperation of all the teams, whether Pertamina EP SKK Migas, Local Government, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, National Police and Indonesian Armed Forces,"

he explained.

Agus Amperianto, Pertamina EP Ramba Field Manager, appreciated the closing activities that have been done by the integrated team. The team led by Kapolres Muba has been very optimal in carrying out the task so that the closing activities can run well.

"Pertamina EP Asset 1 Field Ramba as a member of the Integrated Team supports and respects all decisions made and become mutual commitments," he said.

Ariansyah, Head of Energy Division of Energy and Mineral Resources of South Sumatera, explained that the process of closing 20 oil wells in the working area of ​​Pertamina EP Asset 1 Field Ramba went smoothly although there was little protest from some miners.

"It is normal, through good communication, the entire well can be closed (cemented). The next process, we will re-consolidate with members of the Integrated Team, "he said.

IN INDONESIA

Tim Terpadu Tutup 20 umur Minyak llegal di Musi Banyuasin

Tim Terpadu yang dibentuk Gubernur Sumatera Selatan Alex Noerdin untuk menyosialisasikan dan mengambilalih 17 sumur minyak PT Pertamina EP Asset 1 Field Ramba di Mangunjaya, Kecamatan Babat Toman, Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin (Muba), sukses menutup dan menyemen sebanyak 20 sumur pada hari pertama dari dua hari jadwal yang diberikan, yaitu Selasa (21/11) dan Rabu (22/11).

Menurut siaran pers Selasa (21/ 11), Ajun Komisaris Besar Polisi Rahmat Hakim selaku Ketua Tim Pengambilalihan dan Penutupan Tim Terpadu Bentukan Gubernur yang juga Kepala Kepolisian Resor Muba, mengatakan bahwa sebanyak 17 sumur merupakan yang tertunda dari total 104 sumur. Sedangkan tiga sumur yang disemen adalah sumur lama yang dibongkar kembali oleh oknum penambang ilegal.

“Apabila ada oknum masyarakat yang membuka kembali sumur yang telah disemen, kami akan langsung tangkap dan proses,” ujar Rahmat saat memimpin penyemenan oleh Tim Terpadu di Babat Toman, Mangunjaya, Selasa (21/11).

Penertiban dan penyemanan sumur minyak yang dibajak oleh penambang illegal di Mangunjaya dibantu oleh 466 personel Polres Muba, Kodim Muba, Satuan Polisi Pamong Praja, dan Kejaksaan Negeri serta perwakilan Pertamina EP Asset 1 Field Ramba.

Dua puluh sumur yang berhasil disemen terdiri atas delapan sumur disemen oleh Tim Satu yang terdiri atas sumur MJ 01, MJ 04, MJ 65, MJ 58, MJ 34, MJ 72, MJ 73, dan MJ 35.

Tim Dua berhasil menyemen enam sumur, yaitu MJ 21, MJ 13, MJ 78, MJ 55, MJ 60, dan MJ71. Sisanya sebanyak enam sumur disemen oleh Tim Tiga terdiri atas MJ 75, MJ 69, MJ 100, MJ 76, MJ 36, dan MJ44.

Kapolres Muba mengatakan kegiatan penutupan sumur minyak di wilayah kerja Pertamina EP Asset 1 Field Ramba sesuai dengan Surat Keputusan Gubernur Sumatera Selatan Alex Noerdin No 713/KPTS/DESDM/2017 tentang Pembentukan Tim Terpadu dalam Rangka Sosialisasi dan Pengambilalihan terhadap 17 Sumur Minyak Pertamina EP Aset 1 Field Ramba di Mangun Jaya.

Ketua Tim Terpadu adalah Kepala Dinas ESDM Sumatera Selatan Robert Heri. Penutupan sumur ilegal itu juga merupakan instruksi Presiden Joko Widodo bahwa sampai akhir 2017 Indonesia harus bebas dari aktivitas pengeboran ilegal (zero illegal drilling).

Karena itu, menurut Rahmat, tugas Tim Terpadu adalah mengawal agar kegiatan penyemenan yang sudah dilakukan harus terus dikawal. Dengan demikian tidak ada lagi yang kembali membuka sumur yang sudah diambilalih tersebut.

Setelah kegiatan penutupan, Tim Terpadu akan melakukan pemantauan terhadap lokasi sumur yang sudah dilakukan oleh tim. Rahmat juga mengapresiasi dukungan yang dilakukan semua anggota tim sehingga kegiatan bisa dilakukan dengan baik dan berjalan lancar.

“Ini semua tidak lepas dari kerjasama semua tim, baik Pertamina EP SKK Migas, Pemerintah Daerah, Kementerian ESDM, Polri, dan Tentara Nasional Indonesia,” jelas dia.

Agus Amperianto, Pertamina EP Ramba Field Manager, mengapresiasi kegiatan penutupan yang sudah dilakukan tim terpadu. Tim yang dipimpin Kapolres Muba sudah sangat optimal dalam menjalankan tugas sehingga kegiatan penutupan bisa berjalan dengan baik. 

“Pertamina EP Asset 1 Field Ramba sebagai anggota Tim Terpadu mendukung dan menghormati segala keputusan yang dibuat dan menjadi komitmen bersama,” ujarnya.

Ariansyah, Kepala Bidang Energi Dinas Energi dan Sumber Daya Minera Sumatera Selatan, menjelaskan proses penutupan 20 sumur minyak di Wilayah kerja Pertamina EP Asset 1 Field Ramba berjalan lancar kendati sempat ada sedikit protes dari beberapa penambang. 

“Hal itu biasa, melalui komunikasi yang baik, seluruh sumur bisa ditutup (disemen). Proses selanjutnya, kami akan konsolidasi kembali dengan anggota Tim Terpadu,” ujar dia.

Investor Daily, Page-9, Wednesday, Nov 22, 2017

Gross Split Makes Slight Investment

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is missteping its policy. At a time when oil prices fell in January instead of issuing contracts for the results of gross split is not popular. As a result, the auction held until November 2017 no one is interested.

Upstream oil and gas investment this year is very unattractive. This is seen from the auction of oil and gas blocks that have been done by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) since last May 2017. The auction has been extended three times, because no one is interested.

Oil and Gas Director General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Ego Syahrial said that his party has delayed the submission deadline of 15 blocks of oil and gas until December 31, 2017. Previously, the oil and gas block auction is targeted for completion on 27 November.

"We postpone until December 31, 2017 so that there is enough time, he reasoned, postponed the auction time as investors are still waiting for the certainty of the Government Regulation (PP) regulation on gross split taxation.

Energy Observer Pri Agung Rakhmanto explained that the current upstream oil and gas investment climate in Indonesia has not improved, especially since the scheme of the contract for the gross split by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources No 8/2017 issued in January. The date is the deadline for submission of the auction document.

He reasoned, delayed auction time as investors are still waiting for the certainty of the Government Regulation (PP) draft on gross split taxation.

"Since the implementation of the gross split scheme, the condition is not getting better and it is increasingly not conducive because it adds to the uncertainty that exists," said Pri Agung Monday (20/11).

According to Pri Agung, the uncertainty increases because of the economic count that changes with the new type of gross split contract.

"Investors or contractors should recalculate their investment plans and portfolios," he said.

In addition, investment uncertainty in the upstream oil and gas sector is also emerging as a result of gross split contracts still require other provisions that have not been proven until now. For example in the case of tax rules for sharing contracts for gross split.

"So, if the auction is to be extended later, it is not a matter of a proper or inappropriate step, but it clearly indicates that the upstream oil and gas investment climate is not conducive to attract investment," he explained.

IN INDONESIA

Gross Split Membuat Investasi Suram

Kementerian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral (ESDM) salah langkah dalam mengambil kebijakan. Di saat harga minyak turun pada Januari lalu malah menerbitkan kontrak bagi hasil gross split yang tidak popular. Hasilnya, lelang yang diselenggarakan sampai November 2017 tidak ada yang berminat.

Investasi hulu migas tahun ini sangat tidak menarik. Ini terlihat dari lelang blok migas yang sudah dilakukan Kementerian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral (ESDM) sejak Mei 2017 lalu. Lelang sudah tiga kali diperpanjang, lantaran tidak ada yang berminat.

Direktur Jenderal Minyak dan Gas Bumi Kementerian ESDM, Ego Syahrial mengatakan pihaknya kembali menunda batas penyerahan dokumen lelang 15 blok migas sampai 31 Desember 2017. Sebelumnya, lelang blok migas ditargetkan selesai pada 27 November.

"Kita tunda sampai 31 Desember 2017 agar ada waktu yang cukup. Dia beralasan, ditundanya waktu lelang karena para investor masih menunggu kepastian rancangan Peraturan Pemerintah (PP) mengenai perpajakan gross split.

Pengamat Energi Pri Agung Rakhmanto menerangkan, iklim investasi hulu migas Indonesia saat ini belum juga membaik, terutama sejak adanya skema kontrak bagi hasil gross split melalui Peraturan Menteri ESDM No 8/2017 yang diterbitkan Januari lalu. Tanggal itu merupakan batas waktu penyerahan dokumen lelang.

Dia beralasan, tertundanya waktu lelang karena para investor masih menunggu kepastian rancangan Peraturan Pemerintah (PP) mengenai perpajakan gross split.

"Sejak diberlakukan skema gross split, kondisinya tidak semakin membaik dan justru semakin tidak kondusif karena menambah ketidakpastian yang ada," ujar Pri Agung Senin (20/11).

Menurut Pri Agung, ketidakpastian bertambah karena adanya hitungan keekonomian yang berubah dengan adanya kontrak jenis baru gross split. 

"Investor atau kontraktor harus menghitung ulang lagi rencana-rencana dan portofolio investasi mereka," ujarnya.

Selain itu, ketidakpastian investasi di sektor hulu migas juga muncul akibat kontrak gross split masih memerlukan aturan-aturan lain yang terbukti sampai sekarang belum selesai. Misalnya dalam hal aturan pajak untuk kontrak bagi hasil gross split.

"Jadi, kalau kemudian lelang harus diperpanjang, ini bukan masalah langkah ini tepat atau tidak tepat. Tetapi hal itu mengindikasikan dengan jelas, iklim investasi hulu migas memang belum kondusif untuk menarik investasi" terangnya.

Kontan, Page-14, Wednesday, Nov 22, 2017

Illegal Oil Well Closed

An integrated government team in South Sumatra province closed 17 illegal oil wells in the working area of ​​Pertamina EP in Babat Toman Sub-district, Musi Banyuasin Regency, Tuesday (21/11). This closure is the last stage of the operation of 104 illegal oil wells closure last year.

This is to secure state assets and minimize the risk of exploding illegal wells. Public Relations Manager of Pertamina EP, Muhammad Baron, contacted from Palembang, explaining the illegal well control is done in a number of Pertamina EP work areas. The closure is done by an integrated team consisting of elements of South Sumatera Provincial Government.

Musi Banyuasin District Government, SKK Migas Sumatra Part Selatab and Pertamina EP and police and the Indonesian National Army (TNI) based on South Sumatera Governor Decree Number 713 / KPTS / DESDM / 2017 The first phase closure was conducted in November 2016.

There are 70 illegal old wells that are closed. Next, April 2012 17 illegal oil wells are closed. Last yesterday (11/21/2017), 17 more wells will be closed.

"Thus, all illegal wells in the Pertamina EP area have been curbed," Baron said.

According to Baron, all old wells that are still in production are handed over by state to Pertamina to be managed.

"The well is a suspended status (suspended) where at any time can be used to be managed," he said.

Difficult to monitor

So far, people use the oil wells because the location of the well is near the settlement. However, the location of the well away from the highway is difficult to observe.

To ensure no more illegal mining of old wells has been curbed, Baron said, it would coordinate with local security forces to patrol regularly.

"In addition, socialization continues to be done to make people aware that the well is a state asset," he said.

Head of Mining and Energy Resources of Mineral Resources (ESDM) South Sumatra Robert Heri said the activities of old miners of old well or illegal oil drilling is often the case in Musi Banyuasin.

The provincial government noted, there are at least 350 old wells and illegal oil drilling in Musi Banyuasin. Activity that has occurred continuously after the Dutch colonial period in Indonesia.

As a result of illegal mining, the last year occurred three times the explosion of illegal wells in Musi Banyuasin Regency. The explosion resulted in Iuka's victim, even dead. Therefore, the government decided to close the illegal wells. In addition, illegal mining does not increase the cash revenue of the local government.

In addition to Musi Banyuasin, illegal oil well closing is planned to be carried out by the government in the regency of Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir, Musi Rawas, and Musi Rawas Utara.

IN INDONESIA

Sumur Minyak Ilegal Ditutup

Tim terpadu pemerintah di Provinsi Sumatera Selatan menutup 17 sumur minyak ilegal di Wilayah kerja Pertamina EP di Kecamatan Babat Toman, Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin, Selasa (21/11). Penutupan ini merupakan tahap terakhir dari operasi penutupan 104 sumur minyak ilegal yang berlangsung setahun terakhir.

Hal ini untuk mengamankan aset negara dan meminimalkan risiko meledaknya sumur ilegal. Manajer Humas Pertamina EP Muhammad Baron dihubungi dari Palembang, menjelaskan penertiban sumur ilegal dilakukan di sejumlah area kerja Pertamina EP. Penutupan dilakukan tim terpadu yang terdiri dari unsur Pemerintah Provinsi Sumatera Selatan. 

Pemerintah Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin, SKK Migas Sumatra Bagian Selatab dan Pertamina EP Serta kepolisian dan Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) berdasarkan Surat Keputusan Gubernur Sumatera Selatan Nomor 713/KPTS/DESDM/2017 Penutupan tahap pertama dilakukan pada November 2016.

Ada 70 sumur tua ilegal yang ditutup. Selanjutnya, April 2012 17 sumur minyak ilegal ditutup. Terakhir kemarin (21/11/2017), 17 sumur lagi akan ditutup. 

”Dengan demikian, semua sumur ilegal di area Pertamina EP sudah ditertibkan,” ujar Baron.

Menurut Baron, semua sumur tua yang masih berproduksi diserahkan negara kepada Pertamina untuk dikelola. 

”Sumur itu berstatus suspended (ditangguhkan) di mana sewaktu-waktu dapat digunakan untuk dikelola,” katanya.

Sulit dipantau

Selama ini masyarakat memanfaatkan sumur-sumur minyak tersebut karena Iokasi sumur berada di dekat permukiman penduduk. Namun, Iokasi sumur jauh dari jalan raya sehingga sulit terpantau.

Untuk memastikan tidak ada lagi penambangan ilegal pada sumur-sumur tua yang telah ditertibkan, menurut Baron, pihaknya akan melakukan koordinasi dengan aparat keamanan setempat untuk melakukan patroli secara berkala.

”Selain itu, sosialisasi terus didilakukan untuk menyadarkan masyarakat bahwa sumur tersebut merupakan aset negara,” ujarnya.

Kepala Dinas Pertambangan dan Energi Sumber Daya Mineral (ESDM) Sumatera Selatan Robert Heri mengatakan, aktivitas penambang sumur tua atau pengeboran minyak secara ilegal memang kerap terjadi di Musi Banyuasin. 

Pemerintah Provinsi mencatat, setidaknya ada 350 sumur tua dan pengeboran minyak ilegal di Musi Banyuasin. Aktivitas itu sudah terjadi secara terus menerus setelah masa penjajahan kolonial Belanda di Indonesia.

Akibat penambangan ilegal, setahun terakhir terjadi tiga kali ledakan sumur ilegal di Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin. Ledakan mengakibatkan korban Iuka, bahkan tewas. Oleh karena itu, pemerintah memutuskan menutup sumur ilegal. Selain itu, penambangan ilegal tidak menambah pendapatan kas pemerintah daerah setempat.

Selain di Musi Banyuasin, penutupan sumur minyak ilegal direncanakan akan dilakukan pemerintah di Kabupaten Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir, Musi Rawas, dan Musi Rawas Utara. 

Kompas, Page-22, Wednesday, Nov 22, 2017

Auction 15 Oil and Gas Working Area is Extended

Oil and gas companies incorporated in the Indonesia Petroleum Association (IPA) assessed the auction time of the prolonged phase of oil and gas Working Area (WK) of oil and gas 2017 as a natural thing.

Because the Government Regulation (PP) tax-related scheme for gross split results until now has not been completed.

"So this gives an opportunity for investors to be certainty first.Approved by this PP, we hope that from investors can evaluate and prepare their respective business," said LPA Secretary Ronald Gunawan, in Damar Room, Heritage Building, Ministry of ESDM, Jakarta, Tuesday (21/11/2017).

IN INDONESIA

Lelang 15 Wilayah Kerja Migas Diperpanjang

Perusahaan minyak dan gas bumi (migas) yang tergabung dalam Indonesia Petroleum Association (IPA) menilai waktu lelang Wilayah Kerja (WK) migas tahap l 2017 yang diperpanjang sebagai sesuatu yang wajar.

Pasalnya, Peraturan Pernerintah (PP) terkait pajak skema bagi hasil gross split hingga kini belum juga selesai.

"Jadi ini memberi kesempatan pada investor untuk dapat kepastian dulu. Dengan disetujui PP ini, kami harap supaya dari investor bisa evaluasi dan menyiapkan bisnis masing-masing," ujar Sekretaris lPA Ronald Gunawan, di Ruang Damar, Gedung Heritage, Kementerian ESDM, Jakarta, Selasa (21/11/2017).

Harian Bangsa, Page-4, Wednesday, Nov 22, 2017