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Indonesia approves US$3 billion development plan for South China Sea gas block
- Tuna offshore gas field expected to reach peak production of 115 million standard cubic feet per day in 2027
- Aside from economic benefits, development also aims to underline Indonesia’s maritime entitlements in disputed South China Sea
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Indonesia has approved the first plan of development for the Tuna offshore gas field with total estimated investment of US$3.07 billion up to the start of production, upstream oil and gas regulator SKK Migas said on Monday.
The Tuna field, located in the South China Sea between Indonesia and Vietnam, is expected to reach peak production of 115 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) in 2027, SKK Migas spokesperson Mohammad Kemal said.
Natural gas from Tuna field, which is operated by a local unit of London-listed Harbour Energy, is expected to be exported to Vietnam starting in 2026, Indonesia’s energy minister has previously said.
SKK Migas chairman Dwi Soetjipto on Monday said that aside from economic benefits, development of the project would underline Indonesia’s maritime entitlements.
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“There will be activity in the border area which is one of the world’s geopolitical hotspots,” Dwi said.
“The Indonesian navy will also participate in securing the upstream oil and gas project so that economically and politically, it becomes an affirmation of Indonesia’s sovereignty.”
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Energy activities in the South China Sea have in recent decades been held hostage by disputes over which country has sovereign rights, with work by Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines in their exclusive economic zones disrupted by Chinese coastguard or marine surveillance vessels.
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