Gresik regent stands behind Premier Oil
Saturday, May 5 2001 - 04:30 AM WIB
Gresik regent Robbach Ma'sum said he fully supported the resumption of British oil and gas firm Premier Oil's gas exploration activities in Ujungpangkah district, Gresik regency, East Java, Neraca economic daily reported on Saturday (May 5).
Robbach promised he would help Premier Oil in its move to approach local people in Ujungpangkah, especially those who had vehemently opposed to the company's exploration activities in the areas.
"We will provide helps so that Premier Oil will be able to resume its activities again," Robbach told Neraca at his office in Gresik.
He explained that there were two opposing groups in Ujungpangkah, one supporting Premier Oil and the other one against the company's activities in their area.
Those who rejected the presence of Premier Oil, mostly farmers and fishermen, argued that the exploration activities could endanger the ecosystem and environment in their areas and thus would affect their income and lives. These people consistently staged protests, that prompted Premier Oil to suspend its gas exploration there.
Robbach said that Premier Oil should approach local people, especially those who opposed its presence there. He said he would help the company in approaching them.
He said the Gresik Administration had interests to see the smooth operation of Premier Oil in Ujungpangkah because it would help increase local income and also expedite development process in the regency, especially in Ujungpangkah areas.
He noted that the company had actually good intention, by allocating funds to help empower local people through various community-development plans, including in the areas of education and health services.
Sources at the Gresik administration said that Premier Oil executives had met with Regent Robbach and local councilors to discuss the possible resumption of the company's operations in Ujungpangkah.
Premier Oil operates Ujung Pangkah production sharing contract (PSC) area, which already has the certified gas reserve of 490 billion cubic feet. (*)