JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Energy experts are emphasizing the crucial role of the upstream oil and gas (migas) sector in achieving Indonesia’s energy self-sufficiency. According to energy analyst Tumbur Parlindungan, the success of this program during the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka will largely depend on strengthening the upstream oil and gas industry.

“The upstream oil and gas sector plays a vital role in achieving energy self-sufficiency by encouraging exploration for new oil and gas reserves,” Tumbur said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

He noted that energy self-sufficiency must go hand-in-hand with increased investment in the upstream oil and gas sector. To achieve this, the government must create favorable conditions to attract investment in Indonesia’s oil and gas industry.

“Our reliance on fossil fuels remains above 85%, so upstream oil and gas investments are essential to boost production. We have abundant resources, but bureaucratic hurdles and other non-resource factors must be addressed to make the sector more attractive to investors,” Tumbur added.

In order to foster a better investment climate, Tumbur emphasized the need for greater collaboration between government ministries and agencies to create policies that are supportive of the industry. He urged that conflicting regulations should be eliminated to create a more streamlined process for investors.

“We are currently evaluating how attractive upstream oil and gas investments are in Indonesia, and over the next six months, we will see what direction the government takes,” he said.

Tumbur also highlighted the challenges surrounding the transition to renewable energy (EBT), pointing out that the implementation of new energy sources remains difficult, and the demand for energy continues to grow. As a result, fossil fuels like oil and gas remain crucial to meeting current energy needs.