Firm! Minister Of Energy And Mineral Resources Targets Masela Production Starting January 1, 2030

Illustration (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif firmly said that Masel's Eternal Field will start production on January 1, 2030.

"We are still targeting (Masela Block production) January 1, 2030," said Arifin, quoted on Thursday, June 20.

Arifin said there were no plans to withdraw from the giant gas field stream. Finally, the issue of Masela's withdrawal was due to Shell's departure as the holder of Masela's participation rights, which took the government longer to find a replacement for Shell.

Then in 2023 PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) through its subsidiary PT Pertamina Hulu Energi Masela (PHE Masela) partnered with Petronas Masela Sdn. Bhd. (Petronas Masela) has completed the acquisition process of 35 percent of Shell's participation rights in Masela.

"It will take time for the transfer of Shell's shares, in the end, we will get Petronas and still target January 1, 2030. What else?" said Arfin.

The Eternal Field in Blok Masela is a deep sea gas field with the largest gas reserves in Indonesia which is located about 160 kilometers off the coast of Yamdena Island in the Arafura Sea with a sea depth of 400-800 meters.

Masela's PSC contract which is valid until 2055 has the potential to produce 9.5 MMTPA (million metric tons per year) of LNG and 150 MMSCFD (million standard cubic feet per day) of pipe gas.

In addition, Field Abadi is expected to produce condensate production of 35,000 barrels per day.

The Masela Block is also planned to produce clean LNG through the application of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology to support government programs in reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainability in the energy transition era.