Aramco, Pertamina sign MoU to build refining, petrochemical project

Saudi Aramco Asia Company Limited (SAAC), a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, and state oil and gas company PT Pertamina signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly evaluate the economic feasibility to build an integrated refining and petrochemical project in Tuban in East Java.

In a joint statement, both companies said the proposed refinery and petrochemicals project will be designed to process 300,000 barrels per day of crude oil and will produce high-quality refined petroleum and petrochemicals products to meet rising demand in Indonesia and elsewhere in southeast Asia.

Much of crude oil will be supplied by Saudi Aramco pursuant to a long-term contract.

The project represents an opportunity for Saudi Aramco to partner with Pertamina and to capitalize on investment opportunities in Indonesia?s growing downstream industry. Additionally, it extends the close cooperation between Saudi Aramco and Pertamina and increases prospects for industrialization and economic diversification in Indonesia.

?This MOU is a significant first step in extending our already strong relationship with Pertamina, and is also part of Saudi Aramco?s strategy to enhance its global downstream presence,? said Dawood M. Dawood, Saudi Aramco?s Vice President of Marketing, Supply and Joint Venture Coordination. ?Saudi Aramco is committed to making win-win investments with partners for projects that yield mutual benefits and contribute to economic growth and development.?

?This cooperation in investment with Saudi Aramco is of the highest value for both Pertamina and the Republic of Indonesia in order to strengthen the fuel and petrochemical supply to satisfy the huge domestic demand now and for the future,? said M. Afdal Bahaudin, Pertamina?s Director for Investment Planning and Risk Management.

?Pertamina fully supports our partner to make a successful project that is beneficial to both parties and that further strengthens our cooperation with Saudi Aramco. The Tuban refinery and petrochemicals project is part of Pertamina?s plan to improve Indonesia?s energy security,? Afdal added.

Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, a project team will work on the next phase of the project, which will consist of a joint scoping study that will include market research, configuration studies and economic analysis.

Editing by Roffie Kurniawan