Pertamina steps up domestic gas grab

摘要

Indonesian state-controlled oil firm Pertamina’s bid to replace Total as operator of the Mahakam block under- lines its refocus towards domestic natural gas, but rein- forces foreign upstream investors’ wariness. Pertamina has submitted a formal proposal to the coun- try’s energy ministry to take a 51pc stake in east Kaliman- tan’s Mahakam block in 2017, when Total’s exploration and development permit expires. Pertamina initially planned to progressively build its stake in the Mahakam block, but is pursuing a more aggressive strategy (WPA, 3 August, p10).