Officially Taken Over By Pertamina, Rokan Block Must Absorb Local Workers, Benefit The People Of Riau

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the Riau Provincial DPRD, Hardianto, said that the transfer of management of the Rokan work area is the most beautiful gift for Riau, and must be captured as well as possible by the region in order to provide benefits for the people of Riau.

"This is the most beautiful gift for Riau. The Rokan Block, which is managed by the state, in this case Pertamina, should not be a source of pride and disappointment. Whoever manages it, it is still Riau's natural resources that are taken, in accordance with article 33 of the 1945 Constitution. Natural wealth is used as much as possible for the welfare of the people. In essence, because the natural resources are in Riau, of course, the welfare of the people of Riau is the most priority," said Hardianto after the 64th Provincial Anniversary Plenary in Pekanbaru, quoted from Antara, Tuesday 10 August.

PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) has officially taken over the management of the Rokan Working Area (WK) for the next 20 years. This coincided with the 64th Anniversary (HUT) of Riau Province on August 9, 2021.

Hardianto requested that Pertamina through the management of the Rokan Block be committed to being able to contribute positively to the Riau economy. As the host, the momentum to get a commensurate advantage from the existence of the Rokan Block has been long awaited.

"Even if the Rokan Block is managed by the state, if Riau has not been able to enjoy it, I think this is very sad. Well, we hope that the Rokan Block managed by Pertamina can bring benefits to the benefit of the people of Riau," said the Gerindra politician.

Meanwhile, Member of the House of Representatives for the electoral district (dapil) Riau Abdul Wahid said that the presence of Pertamina as the identity of the state is expected to have a big responsibility for the management of the Rokan Block. The manifestation of this sense of responsibility must be implemented through efforts to maintain and increase oil and gas production in the Rokan Block.

"We hope that this will certainly be realized through increased production and professionalism in its management. Because we know that the Rokan Block has been managed by Chevron for a long time. With the presence of Pertamina, we hope to maximize production," said Abdul Wahid.

He also requested that Pertamina involve the participation of local companies in the form of procurement of goods and services, as well as manpower.

"In operating the Rokan Block, of course there are stake holders who support this business, we ask important local entrepreneurs to explore their cooperation. Their experience while partnering with Chevron is also extraordinary. Likewise with local workers who should be accommodated," said Wahid.