Introductory Remarks of President Joko Widodo at the Limited Meeting on Oil and Gas Bill, 23 January 2019, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta

Unofficial English Translation

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Honorable Vice President,
Ladies and Gentlemen, all of the Working Cabinet Ministers,

This afternoon’s Limited Meeting will discuss Oil and Gas Bill.

First, the Bill was initiated by the House of Representatives. We should study it carefully so it will go in accordance with the Constitution.

Second, considering that oil and gas are non-renewable strategic natural resources, the Bill must strengthen our national energy resilience and independence. The Bill’s aim is not only about increasing oil and gas production, but also supporting the strengthening of national capacity and domestic industry, and investing our human capital in the oil and gas industry.

Lastly, I would like to emphasize that we must gain a momentum through the initiation of the Bill to reform oil and gas management, so that it is more efficient, more transparent, simple, sustainable, and generate added value to our national economy.

I think I conclude my remarks here.(PR Division of Cabinet Secretariat)(GWH/AW/YM/Naster)