PRESS RELEASE: Pertamina/BP presented Amdal findings for Tangguh LNG project

Following is PRESS RELEASE from BP Indonesia:

Pertamina/BP presented findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Analisa Dampak Lingkungan or ANDAL) of the Tangguh LNG project in Jayapura, Papua. The hearing was attended by members of the local government and parliament, members of the AMDAL commission, representatives of the local communities including those from near the project area, non-government organizations and media. During regional evaluation meeting, Pertamina/BP presented major findings of ANDAL and the project's environmental management and monitoring plans.

The Tangguh LNG Project represents a comprehensive approach to sustainable resource development that integrates environmental, social and economic considerations into all aspects of the project design and management.

Based on the AMDAL process, the project proponents know there will be environmental, social and economic impacts. The Tangguh LNG Project will produce LNG, which is the cleanest fossil fuel in the world. The project is committed to create minimal impact to the environment in Papua. There will be a 600-700 ha footprint from project activities, such that around 2,500 ha of the land will be undisturbed by the project, or preserved as green area. Moreover, the project will not build roads in and out of the project area to avoid massive migration and minimize negative impact on the surrounding environment.

The Tangguh LNG Project is the first project in Indonesia that thoroughly implements BAPEDAL Regulations Number 08/2000 on public consultation and transparency in the AMDAL process. In the consultation process for the AMDAL, Pertamina/BP involved 1,600 individuals representing local communities, indigenous groups, local officials, media and academia. The project gathered more than 1,500 comments from participating stakeholders including local community, traditional groups, local policymakers, members of the media and academics.

The consultation process identified a number of concerns on the part of local communities that the Tangguh LNG project should not lead to large-scale, uncontrolled migration to Papua, or the destabilization of traditional rights to lands and water resources. Concerns were also expressed by local government agencies and NGOs that the Tangguh project should benefit the whole of Papua.

In response to these concerns, the Tangguh project has consulted with government planners and decision makers to adopt a strategy of encouraging the diversification and expansion of economic development in existing urban settlements such as Manokwari, Fak Fak and Sorong. The Diversified Growth Strategy is supported through a commitment to hire people from within Papua during the construction and operational phases, training and skills development for local people and for Papuan businesses, sourcing of materials, goods and services from Papuan businesses, and supporting appropriate economic development in the surrounding communities.

The project is expected to accelerate sustainable economic development in the surrounding communities, while at the same time diversifying and expanding the economic base of Papua and Indonesia. Besides revenue generation, the project will promote self-reliance for the economy of Papua and Indonesia. (*)

For further information, please contact:

Satya Yudha; Vice President Government and Public Affairs; Tel: (021) 7854 8188; BP Indonesia Fax: (021) 7854 9078