Pertamina Hosts ASEAN Petroleum Organization Meeting, Encourages Collaboration for ASEAN Energy Resilience

Bali, May 27, 2024 - To strengthen regional connectivity and energy resilience, Pertamina continues to promote various strategic efforts by collaborating with ASEAN countries, including playing an active role in the ASEAN Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE). Pertamina's involvement is realized in hosting the ASCOPE 8th Mid-Year Task Force Meeting 2024 in Bali from May 27-30, 2024.

ASCOPE is an organization that consists of national oil companies from all ASEAN member countries, serving primarily as an oil and gas industry hub in Southeast Asia. Each year, ASCOPE holds a joint meeting attended by all members, and this year, Indonesia, through Pertamina, has the opportunity to host the event.

At the opening of the ASCOPE 8th Mid-Year Task Force Meeting 2024, themed "Enhancing ASEAN Energy Connectivity and Resilience," President Director of Pertamina, Nicke Widyawati, stated that the challenges in the ASEAN energy sector are influenced heavily by the rapid changes in the global energy landscape, technological advancements, market dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and climate change issues.

"In facing these complexities, collaboration, cooperation, and the exchange of ideas are needed to find solutions that will drive the energy industry to grow responsibly and sustainably," Nicke said.

Furthermore, Nicke explained that ASEAN energy connectivity and resilience are crucial in addressing three strategic issues: Energy Security, Energy Affordability, and Environmental Sustainability. It is hoped that through ASCOPE, all members can share experiences, knowledge, and mutual benefits.

Dr. Tran Hong Nam, the ASCOPE Secretary In Charge (ASIC) from Vietnam, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that strong collaboration with various stakeholders is needed to address the energy trilemma, with ASCOPE playing a vital role as the hub of the ASEAN oil and gas industry.

"I am optimistic that ASCOPE will serve as an organization that facilitates knowledge exchange, addresses critical issues, and promotes cooperation initiatives. This year, Pertamina has innovatively introduced networking sessions that foster potential collaborations among companies and countries," said Dr. Tran.

Support was also provided by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, conveyed by Mirza Mahendra, Director of Oil and Gas Program Development of the Directorate General of Oil and Gas. In his remarks, Mirza stated that the Indonesian government believes collaboration among ASEAN countries and companies is crucial to enhancing energy resilience and accelerating the energy transition.

"This collaboration can, for example, be carried out in managing the oil and gas in the ASEAN supply chain according to each country's capabilities and capacities. Besides that, developing partnerships in oil and gas facilities and projects in ASEAN, such as shared utilization of LNG terminals, drilling rigs, and other facilities," Mirza said.

Mirza also appreciated ASCOPE members who continue the Trans ASEAN Gas Pipeline project initiatives, which will create interconnections in existing gas pipeline networks and future projects and LNG infrastructure in ASEAN. Mirza also encouraged further development of Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) hubs through collaboration, considering Indonesia and ASEAN have significant potential as CCS hubs.

The opening session of the ASCOPE 8th Mid-Year Task Force Meeting 2024 also featured presentations and discussions on "Energy Transition & ASEAN Opportunities," discussing regional ASEAN energy connectivity and resilience by the CEO of Rystad Energy, Jarand Rystad. Additionally, the Executive Director of the ASEAN Center for Energy, Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, presented the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Post-2025 Development, a blueprint for regional energy cooperation in ASEAN.

The ASCOPE 8th Mid-Year Task Force Meeting 2024 was attended by over 150 participants, with delegations from ASCOPE member countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia as the host. The event will be held over four days, featuring task force meetings, business presentations and meetings, exhibitions, and a CSR site visit program by Pertamina.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuously promoting programs that directly impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. All these efforts align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina's business lines and operations.**