Minister Of Energy And Mineral Resources Opens Voice About KPK Investigating Pertamina Acquisition Of M&P

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif. (Photo: Mery Handayani/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has opened his voice regarding the alleged corruption case in the acquisition of PT Pertamina Persero through PT Pertamina Internasional Exploration and Production (PIEP) against an energy company, Maurel & Prom from France. This process is suspected of causing state losses.

"It's just a process. Because this execution (acquisition) has been completed. If there is any fraud, everything will be resolved," said Arifin to the media quoted on Saturday, February 3.

Arifin has just finished his visit to Venezuela. During the visit, Indonesia and Venezuela agreed to cooperate in the field of petroleum and gas (Migas).

In this collaboration, PT Pertamina (Persero), as a BUMN RI in the energy sector, through PT Pertamina International Exploration & Production (PIEP) is expected to explore opportunities in acquiring new oil and gas blocks in Venezuela.

It is also to strengthen the existence of PIEP, which has invested in Venezuela through the company Maurel et Prom (M&P).

Arifin also emphasized that the visit was not discussed regarding the issue of alleged corruption in the acquisition process.

In fact, he said, his party saw that the business prospects between the two energy companies were going well. Arifin, Pertamina and RI said targeting oil fields in Venezuela which has a potential of 12 billion barrels.

"Earlier in the field, the potential was good in Venezuela. Then there were in other fields where the lifting could indeed be lifted," concluded Arifin.

For information, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is now investigating the acquisition of PT Pertamina Persero through PT Pertamina Internasional Exploration and Production (PIEP) against an energy company, Maurel & Prom from France. This process is suspected of causing state losses.

"So far, all we know is that it is still in the process of being investigated," said Head of the KPK News Section Ali Fikri, quoted on Wednesday, January 24.

Ali said the investigation was carried out behind closed doors. Thus, he could not detail the ongoing process or the parties suspected of being involved.

"So we can't tell you (the details, ed) yet," he said.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) received a state loss finding in the process of acquiring PT PIEP against Maurel & Prom. This finding was obtained after the examination was carried out.