KATADATA - After being stopped for a decade, Lapindo Brantas Inc. is planning to start the drilling process of a well in March 2016. However, the Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR) Ministry does not allow Lapindo to start the drilling process in Brantas Block this year because the ministry, along with the government’s Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas) still need to re-evaluate the security of the well in Sidoarjo, East Java, in terms of the geology as well as social aspects.
There is a great chance that the plan of the company that is still affiliated with the Bakrie family will not run as smooth. The ministry’s director general for oil and gas affairs I.G.N. Wiratmadja Puja said that his side has not approved Lapindo regarding their wish to drill a gas well in Sidoarjo.
However, SKK Migas’ Head of Public Relations, Elan Biantoro, said that his side has already approved Lapindo Brantas to start the drilling process in two months time. It was approved because the drillings that will be conducted has technically been proven as safe.
Elan also said that the plan had actually been submitted since five years ago, but the local government and the people were never approved it. They still have traumatic experience due to the hot mud spray that occurred in the past.
But after it was discussed for five years, SKK Migas has finally approved the plan because this time it will be safer. And on the other side, the drilling is also important to increase the gas production of the country. However, not all permits have been approved, which is not enough for Lapindo to start drilling again.
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