October 17, 2025 | 04:46 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The issuance of Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation (Permen ESDM) No. 14 of 2025 encourages the emergence of new oil wells proposed to become community wells in Blora Regency, Central Java. The regulation governs the cooperation of managing working areas to increase oil and gas production.
The President Director of PT Blora Patra Energi (BPE), Giri Nur Baskoro, said that previously, there were only a few illegal oil well points in Blora. However, after the regulation was issued, new points emerged throughout the region.
"Out of 16 districts in Blora, 13 of them now have community well points. Most of them are new points after the issuance of the regulation," said Giri, citing Antara, on Friday, October 17, 2025. Giri does not view this phenomenon as a violation of the law because there is no report confirming the regulation's decree.
He also mentioned the fire at the illegal oil well in Gandu Village, Bogorejo, which killed five people, including a toddler. He hopes this new regulation will provide a way for mining communities to operate legally and safely.
Giri explained that the management of old wells in Ledok and Semanggi has been ongoing for a long time, with each area having approximately 190 and 170 wells, respectively. After changing management, the Regional-Owned Enterprises (BUMD) resumed operations in 2017, with the latest permit issued in June 2025, and in cooperation with Pertamina EP Regional 4.
However, the management is still hindered by technical damage and costs. "We are striving to maintain a balance between the miners' interests and compliance with the regulations," he affirmed.
Previously, community figure Keluk Pristiwahana asserted that Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation 14/2025 only governs existing oil wells, not the opening of new wells. "The regulation, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation No. 14/2025, only provides legalization for old, idle, or community wells that already exist. As for the opening of new wells, it must go through the official mechanism of the Oil and Gas Working Area along with the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas) or the Aceh Oil and Gas Management Agency (BPMA)," he said.
He also highlighted the discrepancy in data between Blora Regency and field conditions, which raises suspicions of rule misuse.
It is noted that Blora has more than 4,000 old oil wells, some of which are managed traditionally and prone to accidents. Therefore, the Regency is urged to audit the data immediately, make information more transparent, and strengthen safety education to prevent another tragedy like the one in Gandu.
Editor's Choice: Trade Expo Indonesia 2025 Records Transactions of US$17.27 Billion
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Trade Expo Indonesia 2025 Records Transactions of US$17.27 Billion
1 jam lalu
Trade Expo Indonesia 2025 was attended by 1,619 participants and featured 8,045 registered buyers from 130 countries.
Indonesian Furniture Leader Boston Expands into Energy and Waste Business
5 jam lalu
PT Boston Furniture (SOFA) and its subsidiary PSP enter waste management and power generation, officially documented on October 15.
Indonesia's Industry Minister Says Chinese Firm Interested in Coal Downstream Project
4 hari lalu
Indonesia's Minister of Industry reveals that a Chinese energy company is interested in the project of coal downstreaming into chemical products.
Indonesia to Legalize 45,000 Community-Managed Traditional Oil Wells
6 hari lalu
Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) plans to legalize around 45,000 community-managed traditional oil wells across Indonesia.
Indonesia Uses Only 9.4 GW of Its 3,686 GW Renewable Energy Potential
9 hari lalu
PLN aims to shift its focus from fossil fuels to renewable energy, marking a 180-degree turn from its previous stance.
Danantara Affirms Patriot Bonds Participation Is Fully Voluntary
14 hari lalu
Danantara is preparing to purchase Patriot Bonds through a private placement scheme. Participation is voluntary.
Jakarta Prosecutor Transfers 9 Pertamina Corruption Suspects to Court
16 hari lalu
The Central Jakarta District Attorney's Office has transferred the case files of 9 suspects involved in Pertamina's crude oil corruption to the court.
Statistics Indonesia Reports August Trade Balance Surplus at US$5.49 Billion
16 hari lalu
Indonesia's trade balance surplus remains at a high level for the 64th consecutive month.
Pertamina Geothermal Teams Up with Toyota to Develop Green Hydrogen in Indonesia
22 hari lalu
Pertamina Geothermal Energy and Toyota have signed a joint declaration for the development of a green hydrogen ecosystem in Indonesia.
Deputy Energy Minister Targets Indonesia's B50 Implementation in 2026
24 hari lalu
Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Yuliot Tanjung stated that the implementation of B50 biodiesel fuel in Indonesia will commence in 2026.
