Purnomo to talk with Theo over investment policy plan

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro planned to hold talks with chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Theo Toemion over the latter?s plan, as reported by the press, to handle investment affairs in oil and gas sector.

?Until now I have not meet with BKPM (chief) ? I will talk with him first,? Purnomo said, when asked to response to the plan.

BKPM is currently drafting a new investment law which may include a clause stipulating that investment affairs in oil and gas sector to be handled by the agency.

Earlier, director general of oil and gas Rachmat Sudibyo opposed to the plan saying that BKPM had not expertise in handling investment in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry.

He said that there was a possibility, however, if BKPM could handle the downstream industry.

Rachmat added that Theo?s plan may contradict with the new oil and gas bill currently being debated by the House of Representatives.(Godang)