BPMA seeks greater oil and gas authority through Aceh law revision
Tuesday, June 23 2026 - 08:47 AM WIB
The Aceh Oil and Gas Management Agency (BPMA) is seeking expanded authority over the province's oil and gas sector through proposed revisions to the Aceh Governance Law (UUPA), or Law No. 11 of 2006.
BPMA Deputy Head Nizar Saputra said the proposed amendments are aimed at strengthening Aceh's role in managing its oil and gas resources and ensuring that the economic benefits are more directly felt by local communities.
"If the revision is successful, BPMA could have greater authority in managing Aceh's oil and gas sector. This would create broader opportunities for regional involvement in strategic decision-making related to oil and gas," Nizar said during a discussion with members of the Susoh Youth and Student Association (Ippelmas) on Sunday.
According to Nizar, several provisions of the UUPA are being proposed for amendment, including those governing authority over oil and gas working areas, which are currently managed by the central government through upstream regulator SKK Migas.
He said strengthening BPMA's role would not only improve regional participation in resource management but could also support job creation and the development of local human resources.
Nizar noted that the oil and gas industry offers employment opportunities across a wide range of professions, including legal, engineering, construction and other supporting services.
"When it comes to experience, it does not have to be oil and gas experience. What matters is competence and professional expertise," he said.
He added that many opportunities are available through contractors and service companies supporting upstream oil and gas operations, including major infrastructure projects that can employ hundreds of workers.
BPMA, he said, continues to promote internship and skills development programs to improve the competitiveness of Acehnese workers in both domestic and international energy markets.
Nizar said strengthening BPMA's authority is expected to increase local participation in the oil and gas sector and ensure that the benefits of Aceh's natural resources contribute more directly to regional development.
"We want the benefits of oil and gas resources to be truly felt by the people of Aceh, including through employment opportunities and the development of local human resource capacity," he said.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak