Aceh-North Sumatra's Four Islands Have Not Been Confirmed There Is Oil And Gas Content

JAKARTA - The Aceh Oil and Gas Management Agency (BPMA) stated that as many as four islands west of Sumatra contested by North Sumatra Province from Aceh are uncertain to have economic oil and gas (Migas) content.

Head of BPMA Nasri Djalal said the four islands that are currently polemic are close to the oil and gas exploration area carried out by badminton Asia Energy (block Singkil).

"In general, the four islands are close to the Offshore West Aceh (OSWA) Working Area," Nari said as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, June 13.

As is known, the dispute over four islands in the Aceh Singkil region between Aceh and North Sumatra has been going on for a long time. Both claim ownership.

The four islands are Panjang Island, Lipan Island, Mangkir Gadang Island, and Mangkir Kepek Island.

Then, the problems of the four islands returned to polemic after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a decision Number 300.2.2-2138 of 2025 concerning the Provision and Update of Codes and Data for Government and Island Administration Areas, set on April 25, 2025.

The Ministry of Home Affairs' decision determined the administrative status of the four islands as part of the Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra Province

Even though it is close, said Nasri, the four islands are not included in the OSWA working area (WK) which is under the authority of BPMA.

Then, he continued, so far on the four islands there is also no seismic data coverage, so the process of evaluating oil and gas potential cannot be carried out comprehensively.

Therefore, BPMA encourages an initial survey and acquisition of seismic data so that the oil and gas potential on the four islands can be identified more clearly.

"The principle of sustainability and conservation remains the basis for every step in resource management," said Nasri Djalal.