Riri Rahayu, Jakarta – The Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif said the government targeted Masela Block to start its operation in December 2029 at the latest. Previously on July 25, 2023, Pertamina and Petronas have taken over Masela Block from Shell.

"Therefore, the government will establish a task force in August to prepare for the operation of Masela Block. The work plan is estimated to be done in three months, " said Arifin when met at the ministry office on Friday, August 4, 2023. The task force will also process the revision of the Plan of Development of Masela Block.

The development of Masela Block has not progressed since vacated by Shell in 2020. After three years, Pertamina partnered up with Petronas to take over Shell's 35% participating rights in the Masela Block. Pertamina managed to acquire 20% of participating rights while Petronas acquired 15%. The rest 65% of the participating rights are still held by Inpex.

Agreeing with the government, the Director of Pertamina Nicke Widyawati hopes Masela Block could begin production by 2029. However, Nicke also believed this will be a great challenge. "Initially, Inpex and Shell estimated the production to begin in 2030 to 2032," said Nicke during IPA Convex 2023 in ICE BSD Tangerang on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

Thus, Pertamina will accelerate the process with Petronas, Inpex, and the government. "Hopefully, we can utilize domestic gas sooner rather than later," said Nicke.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1756027/esdm-ministry-targets-masela-block-to-operate-in-december-202