New energy law enacted

All factions at the House of Representatives have finally passed the energy bill into law in a plenary session on Tuesday.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantro said in Jakarta that with the enactment of the energy law, the government is expected to start discussing the government regulation on the formation of National Energy Council that will formulate, decide and oversee the implementation of energy policy in the country.

According to Purnomo, the government regulation would serve as a political umbrella for the formation of National Energy Council led by President.

“With the new energy law, the goal of sustainable energy development is expected to be reached,” Purnomo said following the enactment of the energy bill in Jakarta Tuesday.

With Energy and Mineral Resources Minister as chief executive, the National Energy Council will have 15 members, seven of whom are ministers and government officials in charge of providing, transporting, distributing and utilizing energy. Other members represent academicians, industry, environment and consumers.

Under the new energy law, the government regulation(s) to implement the law will be issued within six month since the enactment of the energy law.

The new law will become the umbrella for the oil and gas law, geothermal law, water resources law, mineral and coal resources law and electricity law. Three of the five laws -- the oil and gas law, geothermal law, water resources law -- have been enacted, while the two others -- the electricity law and mineral and coal resources law -- are still being debated by the House and the government. (Godang)