BANDA ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM - Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, widely known as Mualem, has instructed his administration to immediately prepare a revision concept for the Plan of Development (PoD) of the Tengkulo gas field in the South Andaman working area, also known as the Andaman Block. The proposed revision will later be discussed with the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas) and will form part of adjustments to Aceh's broader energy development strategy.
Deputy Provincial Secretary M. Nasir Syamaun confirmed the governor's directive, stating that regional authorities have already begun preparing for its implementation. All relevant agencies are currently compiling the necessary documents and scenarios ahead of the planned discussion.
"Yes, the governor's instruction is correct. We are preparing everything accordingly," Nasir said in Banda Aceh on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Strategic Meeting with
SKK Migas AheadNasir explained that consultations on the PoD revision for the
Andaman Block are scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, involving multiple stakeholders. Governor Mualem emphasized the importance of broad participation to ensure that resulting policies truly reflect the interests of the people of Aceh.
"The governor has made it clear that the PoD revision must involve various parties so that it represents the interests of the people of Aceh," Nasir said.
He added that this step is a continuation of a previous meeting between the Governor of Aceh and the Head of
SKK Migas, Djoko Siswanto, held in Jakarta on Wednesday evening, June 10, 2026, which he also attended.
ANDAMAN BLOCK REVISION: Aceh Provincial Secretary M. Nasir Syamaun confirms the immediate implementation of the governor's directive to revise the PoD involving relevant stakeholders. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Investor Support and Economic DirectionNasir stressed that the Aceh provincial government does not oppose the Tengkulo gas project in the South Andaman Block or its investor, Mubadala Energy. Instead, the province is committed to maintaining and strengthening an investment-friendly climate.
"It must be clearly stated: Governor Mualem does not reject the Tengkulo South Andaman gas project or
Mubadala Energy as an investor. The Aceh government supports a positive investment climate and continues to encourage capital inflows into the region," he said.
According to him, investment is viewed as a key driver of economic growth, particularly in reducing poverty and unemployment in Aceh.
Industrialization and Energy Downstreaming AgendaNasir further underlined that the PoD revision will be aligned with the industrialization or downstreaming concept, which is part of both regional and national development agendas.
Industrial Transformation Agenda"The PoD revision for the Tengkulo gas field will be aligned with Aceh's development direction based on the governor and deputy governor's vision, namely industrialization. This is in line with the national program and also aligned with President Prabowo's agenda," he said.
The governor reportedly aims to shift gas and condensate processing from offshore structures toward a model that delivers greater economic benefits onshore in Aceh.
PROCESSING MODEL SHIFT: The development of the Tengkulo gas field in South Andaman may transition from offshore to onshore processing systems. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Economic Multiplier EffectsUnder the proposed model, gas and condensate would be transported via onshore pipelines and processed at an Onshore Processing Facility (OPF), utilizing infrastructure within the Arun Special Economic Zone (KEK Arun) in Lhokseumawe.
"This approach is expected to generate strong multiplier effects for Aceh's economy by expanding industrial sectors and creating new business opportunities. Onshore facilities will provide significantly more local jobs compared to isolated offshore operations," Nasir explained.
He added that the concept is expected to foster the growth of new industries and service sectors in the long term.
Revision of FPSO-Based ModelNasir also noted that the proposed revision modifies a scheme previously established in March 2026 by the Ministry of Energy and
SKK Migas. The current model relies on a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility in the South Andaman area.
Production under that system would be transported through subsea pipelines to Onshore Receiving Facilities (ORF) in KEK Arun, Lhokseumawe.
However, the provincial government believes the scheme requires reassessment to maximize economic benefits for Aceh, particularly in employment creation and industrial value generation.
Through this initiative, the Aceh government hopes the Andaman Block will not only serve as a national energy project but also become a sustainable economic engine for the region. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Adli Safwan | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala