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AKARTA: The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry has signed an agreement with the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKKMigas) to allow oil and gas players to access data and technology to help develop the fisheries industry in their operation areas.

The head of the ministry’s research and development body, Zulficar Mochtar, said the use of fishing equipment deemed environmentally unfriendly in these oil and gas fields had often created tension between fishermen and oil and gas players. The ministry said it hoped that by allowing oil and gas players access to data and technology, they could preserve the environment while increasing the locals’ welfare.

“Soon we will create several strategic steps. We won’t be too ambitious, we will work realistically by being in synergy with each other. Hopefully we will be able to start this year, and we plan for this cooperation to continue for the next few years,” Zulficar said at a press conference on Monday.

There are currently 292 oil and gas cooperation contracts under SKKMigas. Zulficar said the two institutions would focus on 20 to 30 of these contractors in the short term. “There are many fields where we can cooperate to fulfill our dream of increasing local people’s welfare. The use of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry’s technology is needed in order to benefit the people,” said SKKMigas deputy for operation control Muliawan. — JP