Masela edges forward despite political bluster

A tanker off Indonesia. The country’s government is hoping to progress the Masela project. (SKKMigas)

Inpex’s oft-delayed Masela gas development is inching forward, even though political wrangling continues to surround the Indonesian project. A source close to the development who wished to remain anonymous told Interfax Natural Gas Daily that the Japanese company was "finally making some headway".

"The recent communication with the government is encouraging, and the energy minister has instructed [upstream regulator] SKKMigas to manage Masela, instead of the vice energy minister," said the source. By law, SKKMigas is responsible for managing oil and gas projects, not the ministry.

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