Saturday, 06 June 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has reaffirmed his support for accelerating the legalization of so-called community oil wells, aiming to strengthen Indonesia's national energy self-sufficiency while increasing local economic value.
He emphasized that oil drilling activities currently operating in legal grey areas must be brought under a formal governance system to ensure optimal benefits for both the state and local communities.Strong Potential in Langkat District
During a hearing with SKK Migas Sumbagut held at the Governor's Residence in Medan on Thursday (June 4, 2026), Bobby highlighted the significant potential of Langkat Regency, where 607 verified oil wells have already been recorded.He noted that these figures are not merely statistical data but represent a strategic resource that, if professionally managed, could make a substantial contribution to national energy production.
Bobby referred to Indonesia's national target of increasing oil production to 610,000 barrels per day, stressing that this goal can only be achieved if regions and local communities are more actively involved in the energy sector.
He underscored the importance of Energy and Mineral Resources Ministerial Regulation (ESDM) No. 14/2025, which provides a legal foundation for restructuring community oil wells while opening space for regional governments and local enterprises to participate."This goal is aimed at achieving national energy self-sufficiency, and community involvement is an essential part of it," Bobby said.
He further noted that many of these operations have long existed in a legal grey zone, and the new regulation is intended to shift them from tolerance-based activity into formal legalization under state supervision.Strengthened Cooperation with SKK Migas
The North Sumatra provincial government has expressed its readiness to deepen cooperation with SKK Migas and other relevant stakeholders."We are ready to collaborate and be part of the solution," Bobby stated.
He also emphasized the important role of regional state-owned enterprises (BUMD), which are expected to be involved in processing and managing production to improve structural efficiency and increase regional revenue.
Langkat Calls for Faster Implementation
Langkat Regent Syah Afandin welcomed the planned legalization and urged swift implementation, describing oil wells in the region as a significant economic asset."This can create jobs and increase regional income," he said.
SKK Migas: Effective Implementation is KeyHead of SKK Migas Sumbagut, Sebastian Julius, stressed the importance of consistent policy implementation. He noted that cooperation between the central government, regional authorities, and technical institutions is crucial for success.
"Collaboration is already running well and should be further strengthened," he said.New Direction for Energy Policy Structure
The Indonesian government continues to pursue its goal of increasing national oil output while reducing import dependence. Community oil wells are seen as a potential supplementary source of production.In North Sumatra, particularly in Langkat, the confirmed presence of 607 wells demonstrates tangible economic potential.
Together with SKK Migas, the provincial government is working to ensure that legalization goes beyond regulation, focusing also on practical implementation, including data collection, supervision, and partnership models with BUMDs.Through stronger cross-sector collaboration, North Sumatra aims to become a model region for the legal and productive management of community oil wells, while contributing to national energy security. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
