Tempo.Co: It’s Now or Never

2 March 2016: “The result has been uncertainty over the future of the country’s largest potential gas resource. In fact, even after international consulting company Poten & Partners invited in as a referee presented its report recently coming down in favor of a floating terminal, the government has not come to a decision. “Bringing the debate into the public domain has been beneficial. People are now aware of the issue and can take part in monitoring how a final decision will be made over this high-value investment. In other words, transparency is a must. “The problem is that the debate has become protracted and could lead to long delays Indonesia can ill afford. The government needs fresh funds if it is to get the economy back on track. If all goes well, we should be enjoying revenues from the Masela field by 2025. But if the project keeps getting delayed, SKK Migas estimates the country will stand to lose at least US$3.6 billion a year. “The Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono administration gave the go-ahead for the venture as far back as 2009. Now it is being held up over what amounts to a technicality, which should can be recalculated and objectively resolved. “That is why Poten & Partners’ independent analysis should be regarded as the basis for a settlement of the argument. The choice is simple: pick the least expensive option, which will bring the highest revenues for the government and the local population.”