ESDM 2013 budget allocation set at Rp18.80t

Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Jero Wacik said that his ministry would get an allocation of Rp 18.80 trillion from the state budget for the year 2013, an increase of 18,98 percent from Rp 15.8 trillion during 2012.

Speaking during a ceremony to present the 2013 budget implementation list (DIPA) to budget authoritative officials of the ministry in Jakarta on Monday, Jero Wacik said that 66,7 percent of the ministry?s 2013 total budget would be spent as capital expenditure, mainly to develop infrastructure in the energy sector.

The infrastructure projects include the developments of power plants and power transmission lines in order to increase the electrification rate, and other power distribution services.

The government has also planned to build gas distribution pipeline, mini LPG plants, gas refueling stations, and to promote the energy diversification and conversion.

"Next year, we?ll also build a new oil refinery plant that will be completed in 2019. If we manage to finalize the developments, then we?ll improve our energy security,? he said.

According to him, the 2013 budget will also be used to finance the development of geothermal power plants, mini hydro-power plants (PLTMH), and solar power plants (PLTS) as part of the implementation of the new and renewable energy program.

The total budget allocation for the energy and mineral resources ministry in 2013 only accounts for 5,01 percent of the total state potential income of Rp 375 trillion to be derived from the energy and mining sector next year.

During the ceremony, Jero Wacik urged all officials concerned to spend the budget in line with the prevailing regulations, which mainly require accountability and transparency in the budget implementation.

Editing by Benget Besalicto Tnb.