Indonesia discussing oil refinery plan with India's Essar Group, energy minister says
The logo of Essar Limited is pictured in a stall at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show at Gandhinagar, India, January 11, 2024. REUTERS/Amit Dave
JAKARTA, Feb 5 : Indonesia's energy minister Bahlil Lahadalia on Thursday said he has met with Indian conglomerate Essar Group and Indonesia's state energy firm Pertamina to discuss a plan to develop an oil refinery in the country.
In the meeting, Bahlil said they discussed the strengthening of Indonesia's domestic oil refining capacity and value-added industries, according to a post on his verified Instagram account.
"This investment plan is expected to align with government policy and contribute to strengthening national energy security," Bahlil said, without sharing further details.
Pertamina, Essar and a spokesperson for Bahlil did not immediately respond to a Reuters request seeking comments and details about the plan.
Indonesia aims to lower its fuel imports as part of ambitious goals set by President Prabowo Subianto to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
Pertamina has long-standing plans to upgrade many of its refineries and has recently concluded the $7.4 billion upgrade of its Balikpapan facility.
Pertamina has also merged its refinery and logistic units to improve its downstream business operations.
