President Jokowi Meets Pertamina’s President Commissioner, CEO to Discuss Oil and Gas Issues

President Jokowi meets the recipients of Micro Waqf Bank credit after opening the National Coordination Meeting for the Teams of Regional Financial Access Acceleration and Micro Waqf Bank National Gathering at the Grand Ball Room of Hotel Mulia, Jakarta, Tuesday (10/12). (Photo by: Agung/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has discussed various key issues in oil and gas sector during his meeting with state-owned oil company Pertamina’s President Commissioner Basuki Tjahaja “Ahok” Purnama and President Director Nicke Widyawati at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Monday (9/12).

“(It includes) matters relating to oil and gas imports, and that relating to B20, B30,” President Jokowi told reporters at the National Coordination Meeting for the Teams of Regional Financial Access Acceleration and Micro Waqf Bank National Gathering at the Grand Ball Room of Hotel Mulia, Jakarta, Tuesday (10/12).

The President asserted that any issue related to current account deficit and trade balance deficit to be narrowed down. He also wanted proper control of oil and gas imports and an increase in oil and gas lifting production. “They have agreed to that,” he said.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also instructed both of them to monitor the mandatory Biodiesel 30 (B30) program which will be started in early January. The program is expected to reduce oil imports.

President Jokowi also stated that the meeting also discussed oil and gas mafia as well as oil refinery development issues. He expressed his disappointment that the country has not built any refinery in 34 years.

“I told them to closely monitor the progress, I will (also) continuously monitor it,” the President said. (MAY/AGG/ES)

Translated by: Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by:  Rany A. Subachrum
Proofread by:  Lulu Wuliarti