BPMA and LMAN Discuss Strategic Asset Management in Arun SEZ to Accelerate Oil and Gas Investment in Aceh
Banda Aceh – The Aceh Oil and Gas Management Agency (BPMA) and the State Asset Management Agency (LMAN) have held a crucial meeting to discuss the strategic management of assets within the Arun Lhokseumawe Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The discussion aims to align with directives from both the Governor of Aceh and the President of Indonesia to accelerate economic growth and investment in the region.
The meeting addresses a directive from Aceh Governor Mualem regarding the transfer of asset management in the Arun SEZ to the Aceh Provincial Government. This initiative also supports President Prabowo's national mandate to evaluate all SEZs, including Arun, to ensure they deliver tangible economic benefits to both regional and national economies.
BPMA Head, Nasri, stated that a key topic was the adjustment of lease tariffs for LMAN-owned assets used by Oil and Gas Cooperation Contract Contractors (KKKS). He proposed the introduction of incentives, such as lease discounts, to make upstream oil and gas investments more attractive and efficient.
"If this is implemented, it could generate operational cost savings of up to IDR 30 billion per year and increase Aceh's share of oil and gas revenue by 5-7%," Nasri explained in a statement released on Saturday (July 26, 2025).
He also highlighted the importance of affordable lease rates for PT Pema Global Energi (PGE), an energy company owned by the Aceh government. "This is to ensure that our regional-owned enterprise can achieve maximum returns from these assets," he added.
Furthermore, Nasri emphasized the need to accelerate the grant (transfer of ownership) of Arun SEZ assets to the Aceh Government. This move is considered critical for supporting several strategic national projects, including:
The South Andaman gas exploration project by Mubadala Energy.
National energy security projects, such as the development of a Chlor-Alkali plant, an oil refinery, and storage tanks.
The implementation of Carbon Capture Storage (CCS/CCUS) technology in the Arun area.
The discussion also took into account the upcoming conclusion of Aceh's Special Autonomy Fund (Dana Otsus) in 2027. Proactive measures are being sought to establish new, sustainable revenue streams through asset management and energy projects to prevent future economic challenges like unemployment and social inequality.
LMAN Director, Puspitasari, welcomed the Aceh Government's initiative. However, she proposed a collaborative approach to asset management between LMAN and the Aceh Regional Government.
"This collaboration is vital to ensure that the assets are utilized in an optimal, transparent, and sustainable manner," Puspitasari remarked.
This meeting marks a foundational step towards creating synergy between central and regional authorities. The ultimate goal is to manage the assets in the Arun SEZ more effectively, unlocking their full potential to drive tangible economic growth for Aceh's future.
