“Indonesia’s Minister of Energy expresses annoyance with Shell over Block Masela”

Jakarta –

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif expressed his annoyance with Shell because it has not given up its participating rights in Block Masela. Currently, Shell is negotiating with PT Pertamina (Persero).

Arifin Tasrif said that Indonesia was at a disadvantage because the Masela Block had not been worked on. He then said that Shell had stepped down but was not responsible.

“And also now it’s Indonesia who feels disadvantaged, we don’t want this to happen. Inpex is serious, but I don’t know that Shell has stepped down but is irresponsible,” he said at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jakarta, Friday (26/5/2023).

“What’s wrong? If you don’t want it, it’s okay,” he continued.

Arifin said, if for 5 years there is no development, his party will examine the possibility of the block returning to the country. He said the development of the Masela Block had been delayed for too long.

“It’s 5 years, if nothing is implemented, we will review it again including the possibility for it (to the country). How many years has it been, 2019, now 2023 it will be 4 years. That’s why we just reminded him,” he explained.

It also examines the block returning to the country for free if there is no activity.

“We will review it legally,” he said.

(acd/the)