Eko Wahyudi, Jakarta – The Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKK Migas) reported 63 cases of oil theft at Rokan Block managed by Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI). According to its business support deputy, M Atok Urrahman, the thefts had lasted over a span of 8 years since 2012.

"There have been 63 cases since 2012," said M Atok at the SKK Migas headquarters in South Jakarta on Thursday, Oct. 24.

The crime mostly happened in 2018 with 53 cases of illegal drilling. He added that the perpetrators involved in the theft stole oil from the company's vast oil supply network, adding that the thieves were professionals.

He suspects that the thieves are aware of the pipeline distribution route and could determine specific spots to drill.

"Asset theft increased, especially for Chevron. It was safe for a couple of years but is now getting much more advanced as the perpetrators had created caves reaching 100-meters deep," said Atok who also said the production volume of Chevron's oil and gas has 'clearly decreased.'

As of July 2018, the Indonesian government named state-owned firm Pertamina as the future Rokan Block manager with a contract that will start on August 2021 and lasting up to 2041.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1264273/skk-migas-uncovers-massive-oil-theft-at-rokan-block